The City of Round Rock has canceled its Fourth of July parade plans due to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in the community.

Earlier this month, the City announced that its large Independence Day parade was being scaled down to three separate routes that would pass through Round Rock neighborhoods. The parades would feature a small number of City vehicles like fire trucks and honor healthcare workers and first responders who have been on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic. Residents were encouraged to enjoy the parade from their front yards.

“While the parade is one of my favorite events in Round Rock, canceling this year’s scaled-down version is the right thing to do for public health,” City Manager Laurie Hadley said.

The Rock’N River July 4th Pool Party has also been canceled. Residents who purchased a ticket for the Pool Party will be able to use the ticket for a one-day entry to Rock’N River any day during the season, including July 4 during the day, or any other day the facility is open.

The City of Round Rock also announced on June 18 that it will not hold its annual Frontier Days and fireworks show at Old Settlers Park this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizers said a dense, large gathering at Old Settlers Park would not be in accordance with health protocols for outdoor events created by the Governor’s Strike Force to Open Texas, which state that “individuals should avoid being in a group larger than 10 individuals,” including those within the individual’s household, or otherwise maintain 6 feet of separation.