Village Cancels July 4th Fireworks and Concert, BG Days

Resized VBG Village HallThe Village Board approved the cancellation of the July 4th fireworks and concert, and what would have been the 59th annual Buffalo Grove Days (BG Days), a five-day celebration that occurs over the Labor Day holiday weekend. 

The Board needed to determine the fate of both events because it remains unclear what restrictions will be in place beyond May 30, 2020 when the governor’s Stay at Home order is set to expire. Based on current information from health officials, it is anticipated that social distancing recommendations will continue to be required through the summer and into the fall to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Because planning, commitments and expenditures for these events must be made well in advance, the Board believed the most responsible use of taxpayer dollars was served by not holding them.

“It was a very difficult decision to cancel these two popular events, but the health and safety of our entire community must remain our top priority,” said Village President Beverly Sussman. “We all must look forward to the day when we can go back to normal and enjoy the events that help make Buffalo Grove such a special place to live.”

The Village Board has not yet decided whether the Farmers Market will go on as planned but is set to discuss it at the May 18, 2020 Board meeting. The market normally begins in mid-June and runs through mid-October. 

Despite the cancellations, the Village is looking ahead with a goal to plan smaller community events for when safety restrictions are potentially relaxed.
“We’ve been working closely with the Buffalo Grove Park District and would like to create some neighborhood events that aren’t as large in scale, but would still provide our community with opportunities to get out and enjoy the outdoors, while safely connecting with one another,” said Village Manager Dane Bragg.