Out of an abundance of caution due to a recent statewide spike in COVID-19 cases, the Lockhart City Council has voted to cancel the annual Independence Day fireworks show.

The council’s decision came on Tuesday, June 16 after consideration of a report from the city’s health officer on the heels of five consecutive days of record high daily hospitalizations for COVID-19 in the state. Confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Caldwell, Hays and Travis counties have also increased significantly over the past week.

Prior to its vote, the council discussed a proposed format for the show that would have involved a limited number of vehicles being allowed into City Park, families being required to stay in or close to their vehicles and no food or beverage vendors.

City parks and trails will remain open during the holiday weekend. City officials want to remind residents to practice physical distancing when visiting city parks.

“Our council made this decision with regard to keeping our community safe and to make sure the residents of Lockhart and others stick around to enjoy holidays and celebrations in the future,” said Mayor Lew White. “We can still celebrate responsibly this year by practicing physical distancing or wearing face coverings when keeping our distance isn’t possible.”

The Council made clear in its decision to cancel this year’s event that it intends for its Independence Day fireworks show to return in 2021.

“This decision was not budget related,” White said. “We understand we can apply the money we have already paid the pyrotechnics company for this year to what we will budget additionally for next year’s event. We look forward to an even more spectacular show in 2021.”