This is a heavily rewritten press release

Like so many area summer celebrations, Boyne City’s Fourth of July festival will be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

But organizers announced yesterday that instead of outright canceling the event as so many others have done, there will be some compromise.

“As reported to you in April, we have continued to monitor the COVID-19 situation. We have been committed to staying informed, working with local organizations, Charlevoix County and the City of Boyne City,” stated the Boyne City 4^th of July Festival Board in a Thursday May 20 press statement. “After careful and painful consideration, the Boyne City 4th of July board has decided to cancel 2020’s in-person festival events.”

The board added, “With that being said, we have been working on an exciting virtual experience with more details to follow.”

Those who would like to be involved in the first-ever Boyne City 4th of July virtual parade will have that opportunity.

Festival goers are asked to round up their photos and videos of parades past and the board will let you know where to send them.

“Our hearts have been warmed over the past few months by people who have stayed hopeful the festival’s events would happen this year,” the board stated. “We appreciate your love of the festival, our amazing town, and our beloved country.”

They added, “The board, committee, and volunteers are looking forward, along with all of you, to celebrate the Best 4th in the North in 2021 in even grander fashion than before. You better get ready because Boyne City celebrates the 4th no matter what! Stay safe.”