Baltimore’s New Year’s Eve Spectacular fireworks show has been canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mayor Brandon Scott and the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts announced today that the annual Inner Harbor event can’t take place due to the pandemic and current health restrictions for public gatherings.
“We will all miss the annual New Year’s Eve Spectacular this year, but public health is our top concern as we do everything possible to keep Baltimore safe,” Scott said in a statement.<
The announcement comes one week after the newly sworn-in mayor halted indoor and outdoor table service at city restaurants and bars to stop the spread of coronavirus. Businesses can still offer carry-out service.
In past years, the fireworks show has drawn upwards of 100,000 people, who gather all around the harbor to see it. The Maryland Transit Administration extends its light rail schedule to accommodate participants and many local restaurants and bars do brisk business because of the event.
BOPA CEO Donna Drew Sawyer said in a statement that the decision to cancel this year’s event was made in consultation with the mayor’s office.
“We understand this cancellation impacts many, but we hope taking these important precautions now will allow us to safely reunite at the annual celebration next year,” she said.
Scott used the announcement to remind residents to follow public health guidelines and avoid large gatherings when ringing in the New Year.
“Wear a mask, practice physical distancing and limit your gatherings to those in your household,” he said. “The difficult decisions we make this year will impact our future celebrations together.”
