Cayucos Chamber of Commerce Suspends Annual July 4th Fireworks (Press Release 5/7—UPDATED 6/23/20)
STATUS UPDATE: June 23, 2020
Due to continued public health and safety risks, all July 4th activities in Cayucos have been postponed to 2021. This includes large events like the parade and fireworks show and day-long activities like the Front Street Faire and the sand sculpture contest. Visit www.cayucoschamber.com/july4th for detailed information. Updated statement from Lori Stone, Cayucos Chamber Community Manager “If you live, work, and visit Cayucos on July 4th, we ask for your help to keep our community safe by maintaining social distance, follow state and county guidance on wearing masks, pack out your trash, and keep personal fireworks away, as they are illegal in San Luis Obispo county and we are in a high fire season. Use the contact information below for questions.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 7, 2020
Press Contact:
Lori Stone
Community Manager
Cayucos Chamber of Commerce
cayucoschamber@gmail.com
(805) 995-1200
ONGOING UPDATES: www.cayucoschamber.com/july4th
Cayucos Chamber of Commerce Suspends Annual July 4th Fireworks
Cayucos 2020 Summer Festivities to Align with County START Guide
[Cayucos, California] – The Cayucos Chamber of Commerce announced today that it has suspended its annual July 4th Fireworks Show due to COVID-19 impacts. July 4th activities attract thousands of visitors each summer to the small beach community.
Based on California Governor Newsom's current guidance concerning the state's phased re-opening process and considering the framework and timelines outlined in San Luis Obispo County's recent START guide, the traditional July 4th celebration will return to its regular schedule in 2021.
To help the town commemorate this year’s holiday in a respectful and responsible way, while also ensuring that every precaution is taken to prevent Cayucos from being overwhelmed by unsanctioned activities, the Cayucos Chamber is drafting plans for a safe July 4th alternative and is reevaluating its annual event fundraising plan.
"Our number one priority is the health and safety of our community, both residents and visitors alike. Plus, our focus over the next several months will be supporting our town recovery. It has been a tough decision, but an important one. So many people look forward to this event each year," said Gil Igleheart, Cayucos Chamber Board Vice President and July 4th Committee Lead.
Without the day’s flagship events, traditional crowd levels are not expected, but visitors are anticipated to visit the beach community over that summer holiday weekend. The Cayucos Chamber plans to share a “Cayucos July 4th 2020 Visitor’s Guide” in June with alternate plans and has requested assistance from the Sheriff's Office, California Highway Patrol, and Calfire to deter people from creating their own large gatherings and fireworks activities, which are prohibited by law.
The decision to cancel this July 4th event also impacts the Cayucos Chamber's annual "May Madness" fundraising event held each spring to raise the $30,000+ fireworks costs. Igleheart added that “the Cayucos Chamber Board is reviewing the fundraising timeline and may consider holding a similar event in the fall and assessing where the money would best be invested in its programs and the community.”
This Cayucos Chamber decision was made in cooperation with the Cayucos Lions Club’s recent decision to cancel the annual July 4th parade.
“The Cayucos Lions have been organizing the July 4th parade for decades now and we are saddened not to be able to share this great family event with the community this year. However, we needed to consider the safety of our members, our community, and all those wishing to visit our special town. We look forward to resuming this tradition in 2021,” said Cayucos Lions Club President Breck Smith.
To follow the latest Cayucos Chamber July 4th news and events visit www.cayucoschamber.com/july4th.
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The Cayucos Chamber of Commerce is the cornerstone of economic development in its unique beach community, supporting and promoting local businesses, informing residents and visitors about local services and opportunities, and providing a platform for community involvement and regional stewardship.
Located on the beautiful Central Coast of California, Cayucos is a small, historic beach town nestled along the pristine shores of Estero Bay, midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles on Highway 1, the Pacific Coast Highway.
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