Those expecting to attend the July 4 parade in Peachtree City on Thursday will have to wait until next year. All July 4 activities have been cancelled due to anticipated weather conditions. The only reprieve will be the fireworks display that will be held on Labor Day weekend.
“The City of Peachtree City has made the difficult decision to cancel all activities for the 4th of July. This includes the parade, veteran’s reception, Public Safety Expo, and fireworks,” said city spokesperson Betsy Tyler. “The fireworks display will be rescheduled for Labor Day weekend.”
Fire and EMS Interim Chief Joe O’Conor said based on the weather forecasts earlier this week, it was felt the parade could proceed in the rain. However, Wednesday’s updated forecasts are showing the strong possibility of thunder and lightning, with rains continuing through Saturday. The threat of lightning makes it too dangerous to hold the parade, O’Conor said.
“This is the first time in at least 34 years that the parade has been cancelled due to the weather. In 1994, tropical storm Alberto brought heavy rains on the 4th, which continued through July, causing the fireworks to be rescheduled for Labor Day. That year, a soggy parade moved forward because lightning was not an issue,” Tyler said.
Tyler noted that the 4th of July is the city’s biggest event of the year, with every department pitching in to prepare for the celebration.
“The decision to cancel was especially difficult this year because of all the volunteer work that has gone into recognizing our Vietnam Veterans as part of the parade,” said Tyler. “This year marked the 40th anniversary of the withdrawal of combat troops from Vietnam. A contingent of Vietnam era veterans was jointly serving as grand marshals for the event, which was hoped to give the welcome home they deserved but did not receive after their service.”
National Weather Service spokesperson Nicole Listemaa on Wednesday afternoon said the area is under a flash flood watch that extended from 8 a.m. Wednesday through 8 a.m. Friday. During that time residents should expect 4-6 inches of rain along with locally heavier amounts.
Listemaa said the widespread rainfall is expected to be accompanied by embedded thunderstorms that are expected to include lightning.
Still on and NOT cancelled: Family Fun Day at Braelinn Village in Peachtree City.
Face painting, kids’ crafts, free popcorn from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on July 4th is still scheduled, despite the rainy weather, according to Kay Knight, spokesperson for the event.
“Lots and lots of free give-aways!” Knight promised in an email to The Citizen Wednesday afternoon.
