COLORADO SPRINGS — It’s typically a time of year to celebrate with family and friends, be carefree, and maybe catch a fireworks display with tens of thousands in one of your local parks or open spaces.
Due to COVID-19, this year’s big event in Colorado Springs has been reworked and organizers think they’ve developed something even more special.
It will likely be the biggest birthday bash of 2020. While 70,000 people won’t be able to “ooo” and “ahh” in tandem at Memorial Park, they will be able to enjoy the holiday with their families in the comfort of their own homes.
“Clearly everybody has been through a ton in our community and for us to be able to continue this tradition is very important," said Aubrey McCoy, media liaison of the Fourth Of July Symphony On Your Porch. "To be able to bring a sense of normalcy with this celebration is hugely important.”
Last year, the City of Colorado Springs asked the Springs Sports Corp to be involved with their annual Fourth of July festivities. Due to COVID restrictions, they decided to adjust the Symphony In The Park to On Your Porch.
At 9:20 p.m. Saturday, a 15-minute firework show will go off in 10 different El Paso County neighborhoods. The symphony will air over the radio. For some communities, this will be a first-time event.
“We’re so excited. What our families have gone through with the school closures, and our facility, and our pools and our rec house has been closed." said Laura Mellini from Banning Lewis Ranch. "We feel so badly that we haven’t been able to open. So this is just a bright spot, a huge bright spot that we’re able to offer them fireworks in their own backyards.”
The Colorado Springs Philharmonic is on a forced intermission due to coronavirus, but that doesn’t mean the show won’t go on.
Their previous performances will air on the radio, allowing the musicians to enjoy the night with their families at home. Although, the performers were hoping to showcase their talents on stage rather than over the radio.
"What they like to do is perform," said Nathan Newbrough, president and CEO of the Colorado Springs Philharmonic. "What they’re trained to do is perform. It’s a bit of disappointment, just like it is for the rest of us that we can’t be there together in park, but they will be enjoying in their home like the rest of the community.”
In this year of uncertainty, the organizers say it’s a great way for all our families to come together and spend some time celebrating our independence.
Some of the neighborhoods will get surprises in the form of a free ice cream truck.
Fort Carson is doing a Black Hawk helicopter flyover of the communities as a tribute to our men and women in uniform between 6:55 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday.
The fireworks start at 9:20 p.m. depending on weather. If the weather is bad, the show could be delayed or even moved to Sunday night.
There’s also a photo contest. Snap some pictures of your celebrations on the porch and post them on Facebook with the hashtags #IHEARTCOS and #PORCHPARTY.
For more information on which neighborhoods that will have fireworks displays and all the other fun details about the event click here.
