GALLATIN COUNTY — In just over a week, people all over the country will be celebrating the Fourth of July with their families. But how do you celebrate safely in the middle of a pandemic?
“We’re just going to kind of a low-key party with several families and just buy them here and then celebrate on that day, on the Fourth. Just ourselves,” said Bozeman resident Shawn O'Connell.
O'Connell brought his kids to the Bobcat Discount firework stand Wednesday afternoon to pick out fireworks for the Fourth.
Which is a slight adjustment made due to the pandemic.
“Something different this year. Normally, we have a show on our own and then we drive to see one, the big show at the Fairgrounds. But since it’s not available this year, we’ll just have a barbecue and make sure we have a lot of fun celebrating Independence Day,” he said.
So what’s the best thing to do from a health officer’s standpoint?
“The best advice I can give is to avoid crowds. The virus loves crowded atmospheres where it can jump from person to person. Maintaining that 6-foot distance between you and others is really important and staying out of situations where you can’t socially distance is really important,” said Gallatin City-County Health Officer Matt Kelley.
Today was the first day firework stands were able to sell fireworks in Montana and 406 Wholesale Fireworks say they’ve already noticed a difference.
“Yesterday, we were setting up and getting ready, and we had a lot of people come in and ask if we were open and so this is our 15th year. It’s a family-owned business. It’s probably the first year that we’ve noticed that many people come in early on, so I think it’s going to be a big year. I think a lot of at-home shows and at-home parties because of COVID,” said Kazlyn Roullier.
But celebrating in a different way doesn’t mean less fun.
“We’re not saying you have to be entirely — not be around people. But you have to be smart about who they’re around and how many people they’re around. Every single person you’re in close contact with is a risk to transmit the virus, and if you’re carrying the virus, you’re a risk to them,” Kelley explained.
Under state law, fireworks are able to be sold until July 5.
