Fourth of July fireworks postponed at Empire State Plaza

ALBANY, N.Y. » In an effort to avoid large gatherings at the Empire State Plaza during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, New York State Office of General Services Commissioner RoAnn Destito announced New York State’s Fourth of July celebration is being postponed.

The Independence Day festival has traditionally kicked off the annual Summer at the Plaza series of free community events. With the intention to keep visitors, vendors, staff, and performers safe during the COVID-19 emergency, no concerts or festivals are currently being scheduled at the Plaza.

“Out of an abundance of caution and with the health of the community at the forefront of our minds, we have made the decision to postpone this year’s Independence Day event at the Empire State Plaza and cancel our Summer at the Plaza series of concerts and festivals,” Destito said in a news release.

“OGS has partnered with Price Chopper/Market 32 New York State’s July 4 festivities since our country’s bicentennial in 1976, and we look forward to the day when we can come together and celebrate our country’s founding,” Destito added.

“For the past 44 years, we have collaborated with New York State to produce a Fourth of July Celebration with fireworks that traditionally draws tens of thousands of people to the Empire State Plaza,” Mona Golub, VP public relations and consumer services for Price Chopper/Market 32, which annually sponsors the event, commented.

“Under the circumstances, we agree with the approach the state is taking and believe that postponing this event is in the best interest of public health and safety. When the time is right, we look forward to continuing our partnership in providing quality, family entertainment in the heart of our capital,” Golub added.