Pittsburgh cancels Fourth of July fireworks, other summer activities

Pittsburgh’s Fourth of July fireworks are among the summer activities canceled because of the covid-19 pandemic.

The annual fireworks display was listed among other large group events that were canceled because the event could not safely comply with social distancing guidelines, a city spokesman said.

The event attracts thousands of people at multiple points around the city, from Downtown to the North Shore to Mt. Washington to the West End Overlook.

“Pittsburgh residents have done a great job during these trying times staying safe and looking out for each other,” Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto said in a statement. “The data shows the battle against this pandemic is far from over, however, and we must keep social distancing and other measures in place to win this fight, even when we’re enjoying the outdoors.”

City-sponsored concerts, races like the Great Race, summer camps, summer youth baseball, summer line dancing and Pistons in the Park were also included in the list of canceled activities.

Allegheny County moved from the red phase to the yellow phase of the state’s tiered reopening plan Friday. Some restrictions put in place to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus were eased or lifted.

Group gatherings of more than 25 people are still prohibited in the yellow phase.

City and county parks have remained open during the red phase, but some activities were restricted. City playgrounds, park shelters and spray parks will remain closed.

Swimming pools, including the Oliver Bath House, will be closed.

A number of activities that comply with social distancing guidelines will be allowed, city officials announced Friday. That list includes:

• Drive-in movies, organized by the city Special Events office starting June 13
• Farmers markets, starting June 3 in Carrick
• Bulk trash pickup
• Road closures in city parks
• Tennis, pickle ball, bocce and skate parks
• Fields, as long as they are not used for organized group sports
• Frisbee golf and lawn bowling
• Expanded summer food program, which is likely to start June 15