THIS IS AN ARCHIVED NEWS STORY FROM 2020 AND THE CONTENTS OF THIS ARTICLE MAY NO LONGER APPLY. FOR THE LATEST COMMUNITY NEWS CLICK HERE.

The COVID-19 outbreak has posed an enormous challenge for our country and our region. Keeping our community safe remains our number one priority as we continue to evolve through this crisis. With that in mind, the City of Newcastle is making the very difficult decision to cancel our Fourth of July celebration and our Summer Concerts in the Park series for 2020.

“This was not an easy decision to make. We recognize that our summer events are essential to the spirit of community that defines Newcastle. It’s disappointing that we cannot come together to celebrate in-person this year, but we must protect the community and do everything we can to mitigate the risks associated with COVID-19,” said City Manager Rob Wyman.

For now, the Newcastle Days celebration on September 12 remains on the calendar. However, the City is monitoring the COVID-19 situation daily and will make a final decision on whether or not to proceed by early summer. 

Newcastle is not alone in announcing these difficult cancellations. Our neighbors in Renton recently canceled its Fourth of July celebration and other large festivals. The City of Redmond has canceled all special events through the end of August. To the east, Sammamish similarly canceled events through August.

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced every community to evaluate their events and determine if it’s in the best interest of public health to proceed in the current environment. The uncertain trajectory of the outbreak and the impossibility of maintaining safe social distancing at these popular events were important factors considered.

“Thank you so much for your understanding, Newcastle. I look forward to the day we can once again gather on the Lake Boren Park lawn and celebrate the events that make Newcastle such a special, connected community,” City Manager Wyman said.