Ralston has announced that they will not be holding their annual 4th of July parade and fireworks show due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
In a statement released on Thursday, city Administrator Rick Hoppe says it will be hard to imagine July 4th in Ralston without the parade. "We simply cannot safely bring 50,000 people together and protect their health. Public gatherings of more than 10 are still prohibited in the Metro area and even if the measure is lifted, we don't anticipate being allowed to resume mass gatherings by July 4th."
City leadership is looking into the possibility of doing a fireworks show closer to Labor Day which would honor local first responders and front line medical professionals.
Ralston Chamber of Commerce President Amy Roeder says that decision has yet to be made. "We can't be sure how contained COVID will be by Labor Day. If we can safely do it, a fireworks celebration dedicated to the community heroes fighting this pandemic would be a great boost to the morale of Ralston and the Metro in these difficult times. We hope it can happen."
The Ralston Independence Day parade started in 1960, and is the largest 4th of July parade in Nebraska. Roeder says while they've had to change their plans for this year's celebration, "We haven't given up the independent spirit that defines our country and our community. We will be back in 2021."