El Paso Fourth of July: Which Events Are Canceled and Which Are Still Happening

Thanks coronavirus, you’ve ruined the 4th of July, too.

Even though Gov. Greg Abbott announced earlier this month Fourth of July celebrations and events are allowed under "Phase 3" of his "Open Texas" plan, many of the annual events and fireworks displays we know and love in and around El Paso are not going to happen. The uncertainty the pandemic caused at the time events had to be planned and the firepower ordered and/or in order to discourage social gatherings has led to their cancelations.

The ones that coronavirus won’t stop will be scaled down or their execution altered to conform with health mandates and guidelines. Below you’ll find which celebrations are canceled and which are still happening.

Fireworks over the Lake at Ascarate Park

Canceled. Fireworks will not thunder and boom over Ascarate Lake this 4th of July. All County pools, park playgrounds and picnic areas remain closed.

Southwest University Park

Canceled. No baseball season means no fireworks show.

Pop Goes the Fort at Biggs Park

Yes … and No. The event itself has been canceled, but there will be a fireworks display. Fireworks will be launched from Biggs Park, but Biggs will not be open to the public. The display will be livestreamed on the MWR Facebook page at 9 p.m.

Wet ‘N Wild Waterworld

Canceled. Park officials told me they normally plan for the show in March, but because no one had any idea at the time when the park would be allowed to reopen the decision to scrub it this year was made.

Western Playland

Presumably canceled. The park hasn’t responded to my inquiries, but since the state of New Mexico has not given amusement parks the okay to reopen it most likely won’t happen.

Harvest Christian Center Freedom Festival

Yes. Like the Ft. Bliss firework display, the center’s annual event has been minimized to fireworks only. In-person, properly socially-distance viewing can be done from Brown Middle School parking lot, along Northwestern, or from the center’s driveway (but not the parking lot). Scheduled time between 9 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

City of Socorro Independence Day Extravaganza

Canceled. The City of Socorro has canceled all summer activities, programs, and events.

Fourth of July Parades

If you were wanting to celebrate the Fourth with a good old-fashioned parade of beauty queens, decorated cars and people in patriotic costumes and gear waving to the crowd you’ll have to wait until next year. The El Paso del Norte Lions Club Fourth of July People’s Parade on the eastside, the Rotary Club of West El Paso Independence Day Parade, and the Town of Anthony Fourth of July Parade have all been canceled in the best interest of public health.