Summertime blues

COVID-19 pandemic restrictions continue to take a toll on popular seasonal activities, now including the Anacortes Fourth of July parade and related events. A cancellation notice regarding city-hosted summer events was issued Tuesday, stating in part: “The City has determined that the threat that large-scale events pose to the health of the community is too great. The City will continue to work on innovative alternatives to these events so we can connect even when we are apart.” The local parade is hosted by the Lions Club. In addition to the Independence Day cancellation, events that will not take place include the Kids Fishing Event, Bark in the Park, Kids R Best and the Art Dash. Anacortes Mayor Laurie Gere suggested the possibility of an Independence Day celebration later in the summer.