"Please don't attend:" Health officials warn community to limit gatherings this weekend

WASH. — The Fourth of July will look much different with several events canceled this year.

Despite Governor Jay Inslee and the health district’s recommendations to limit social gatherings for the holiday weekend, there are still big events scheduled that will likely attract large crowds.

Many won't be celebrating our country's independence with a bang with Tri-Cities parades and fireworks shows canceled.

The holiday weekend is still managing to bring folks together and health district leaders say it's not a good thing.

"We need to avoid large gatherings. There are some large gatherings that we know have been scheduled. Please don't attend,” said Rick Dawson, Benton-Franklin Health District.

One of these gatherings is the Basin City 4th of July Parade and Freedom Rodeo, an event the health district says is not allowed.

"That event should not happen. It is not allowed in Phase 1, it is not okay. It is not safe for our citizens. It will and can contribute to the COVID 19 burden in this community which we are so desperately trying to mitigate to allow our communities and our economic economy to open up,” said Dawson.

Those with the rodeo say they are allowed.

"Governor Jay Inslee did say that protests were allowed and this is a cowboy-style peaceful protest. As far as COVID goes, we are putting different measures into place that people are allowed to follow, so we will have masks available to those that want it and we do have the space for people to social distance if they choose to," said Clay Barry, Basin City 4th of July Parade and Freedom Rodeo.

Another big event happening this weekend is the Connell Firework Extravaganza, which the city says they are going to use safety measures to ensure folks stay safe while celebrating.

"We are working with our city and our city police and they are helping monitor this. We are just really encouraging everyone who lives in town that has a view of our firework show to stay at home and stay in their vehicle,” Lauren Smith, Connell Chamber Manager.

"Hopefully our citizens will be wise and choose not to attend an event that can and will move us backward in the mitigation of COVID 19. We need to do the right things," said Dawson.

The health district strongly encourages folks to limit their social interactions this Fourth of July and instead keep the celebrations with family to limit the growing number of COVID cases in our community.

They say independence is important, but the health of our community is paramount.