On Friday of last week, WZQZ News reported that the City of Summerville had made the decision to cancel the “Celebrate Independence” event scheduled for July.  The decision is drawing sharp criticism from some Summerville City Council members who say that they were not consulted about the decision.

The notice about the event cancellation was sent out to local media by a Summerville City employee.  The notice read, “As our country goes through this unprecedented crisis, we know that everyone looks forward to gathering together to celebrate our great nation at our City of Summerville Celebrate Independence Fireworks Show and Festivities. Our number one priority during this pandemic is keeping everyone safe now and during the 4th of July. Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to planning next year’s celebration and to seeing you all to celebrate together in 2021.”

On Saturday evening, City Councilman Joe Money released a statement saying, “The decision to not have the City of Summerville fireworks show was NOT a city council decision. As a citizen & council member I would have liked for the city to have waited to see how things will pan out with Covid 19 in the next month or so before making a decision. With good social distancing practices & people watching from vehicles & various locations, minus the festivities that usually take place I think the fireworks portion of the event could go on. Summerville citizens deserve to see the BEST fireworks show in NW Ga. This event is funded through generous donations from our community & surrounding areas.”

The decision to hold the event was voted on by the City Council in a regular city council meeting earlier this year.