Independence Day fireworks cancelled until 2022

Men's Club Fireworks, July 3, 2019

The Manchester Men's Club has made its announcement about the 2021 fireworks celebration:

"It’s with great sadness that the Manchester Men’s Club is announcing the cancellation of the 2021 Fourth of July fireworks and beer tent," the club said in a press release provided by club president Andy Mahony. "This is not a decision we came to lightly and (it) had many contributing factors."

The club does not have any corporate sponsors for this event; the fireworks are, as always, funded 100% by donations received at the gate. "With the current restrictions on public gatherings, having the fireworks would run a great risk of depletion of the fireworks fund, putting next years and other future fireworks shows in jeopardy," Mahony noted.

Current regulations for large outdoor events, including festivals, fairs, and golf tournaments, will be able to exceed the current 1,000-person limit so long as they create and post a safety plan consistent with the MDHHS Large Outdoor Event Guidance, and no more than 20 persons per 1,000 square feet are gathered in any space available to patrons.

Event organizers also need to plan a COVID-19 mitigation program, which includes incorporating social distancing, masking, and many requirements for food and beverage consumption areas. These rules could create a lot of stress, additional costs, and some logistical issues for planners of the normally routine event, which has gone on successfully for years. In addition, with fewer people able to attend, donations at the gate would be decreased, which could jeopardize future events. The club decided to keep its funds for supporting the Manchester community, and wait it out until 2022.

"We are currently working on the launch of our new website www.manchestermensclub.org," Mahony continued. "Once launched, we will be able to accept online donations. In the meantime, if you wish to make a donation for the fireworks or to our general fund, they can be mailed to the Manchester Men’s Club; P.O. Box 171; Manchester, MI 48158.

"We hope everyone has a very happy and safe Fourth of July!

For as little as $1 a month, you can keep Manchester-focused news coverage alive.

by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.