photo by: Elvyn Jones/Journal-World File Photo

Fireworks fill the sky above Baldwin City in this file photo from July 4, 2013.

Baldwin City and Eudora will have Fourth of July fireworks shows this year, but — because of the COVID-19 pandemic — without the other activities usually associated with the holiday.

Sally Pennington, Eudora Parks and Recreation director, said a community fireworks show has been scheduled for July 4 at Eudora Middle School. However, she encouraged residents to watch the show, set to begin at dark, from their homes or other locations.

“We’re not having any other activities, so we’re not thinking people need to come,” she said. “Eudora is small enough you can see the fireworks from anywhere in town.”

Matt McClure, executive director of the Baldwin City Recreation Commission, said the community fireworks show would be Friday, July 3, at the Baldwin City Golf Course.

Unfortunately, the fireworks show will be a solo act, McClure said. The children’s zone, food trucks and band concerts that have been features of recent community Independence Day celebrations have been canceled.

“We just didn’t think the timing was right,” he said. “Everyone is still a bit uneasy about getting out in large gatherings.”

The Baldwin City Recreation Commission has traditionally sponsored a July 4 pool party, but that, too, has been canceled, McClure said.

Lawrence will not be holding its community fireworks show or Fourth of July celebration this year. Organizers with the local Jaycees club said they decided to cancel the show because they were unable to figure out a plan that would allow crowds — usually in the thousands — to gather in city parks and other parts of downtown while still practicing social distancing. Watching from home or in smaller gathering spaces was not feasible because of the size of the city, organizers said.