People enjoy the Fourth, despite Covid
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Spectaters watch fireworks Saturday night in Iredell during the Bosque County’s only known official firework display on July 4. -
Trinity McCoy, from Grandberry, and Ethan Parrish, of Glen Rose, play with sparklers Saturday night in Iredell during Bosque County’s only known official firework display on July 4 put on by the Iredell Volunteer Firefighters. Allen D. Fisher | The Clifton Record -
Fireworks Saturday night in Iredell during the Bosque County’s only known official firework display on July 4 put on by the Iredell Volunteer Firefighters. -
Chis Neal plays with his son, Jack, along the shores of Meridian Lake Saturday during July 4th. Allen D. Fisher | The Clifton Record -
Left, Fireworks Saturday night in Iredell during Bosque County’s only known official firework display on July 4 put on by the Iredell Volunteer Firefighters. Allen D. Fisher | The Clifton Record -
Right, Xavi Smith, Sablra Smith, Gauge Chandler and Landry Chandler eat watermelon for lunch after taking a break from swimming.
It’s hard to have a vacation or outdoor family fun in the midst of a viral pandemic.
But among the mask wearing and social distancing requirements, many families managed to still find fun for the celebration of our Nation’s Birthday.
“This was the closest place we could find to get away,” said Chis Neal, who played with his toddler son, Jack, along the shores of Meridian Lake Saturday. Neal, his wife and son live in Temple.
“This is our first time here, but we’ve enjoyed it. It’s not crowded at all. Everyone has been really respectful and have kept their distance.”
Meridian State Park is one of few areas open for recreation as many places with the ability for crowds like bars and restaurants have shut down. Several recreational areas on
Several recreational areas on the western side of Whitney Lake continue to be closed due to coronavirus pandemic concerns.
State Parks have been an exception due to the openness of the area but are still not fully opened since the governor’s orders in March for a shutdown.
“We’re operating at 75% capacity right now. Day use and for camp sites,” said Meridian State Park Director Steve Kimbley.
“Most of these people are from the cities, from Austin or Dallas or Fort Worth. They’re trying to escape the cities. We’ve been full as capacity will allow us ever since we reopened.” Park staff have also changed
Park staff have also changed the way they conduct business. Restrooms are cleaned twice as often and transactions are conducted through the windows instead of visitors going inside the welcome center.
Kimbley said most of the time, visiting families keep to themselves in groups as the reduced capacity has allowed for six-foot social spacing between areas for people to keep their distance while enjoying the outdoor recreation of the area.
Although the fireworks show was canceled in Valley Mills due to several coronavirus cases in the area, Iredell choose to still hold their day of festivities.
The local volunteer fire department put on the only official fireworks show in the county.
Local law enforcement and county official said no major incidents nor fires occurred. A much quitter July 4th then they are used to.