Will Pittsburgh hold 4th of July fireworks without spectators? City discussing what to do for several big summer events

Coronavirus could already be putting several big Pittsburgh events, including the 4th of July, in jeopardy.

The City of Pittsburgh has some tough decisions to make about some big summer events and programs.

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Even though it’s still several months away, the city is now discussing what to do for the traditional July Fourth Independence Day celebration at the Point.

Dan Gilman, the mayor’s chief of staff, says other big summer events that pump millions of dollars into the economy such as pride festival, Pickelsburgh and the Vintage Grand Prix are also up in the air.

“These aren’t decisions that are gonna be made by politicians. These decisions will be driven by our health care professionals and our health expert in a way to protect our community,” Gilman said.

One option for the 4th of July celebration involves shooting off fireworks with no crowds and people watching on television.

Even if the city reopens in time, Gilman told Channel 11 there are growing concerns about police, firefighters and EMS -- who would be called on to work these events.

“You also don’t want to overwork our first responders. They’ve been going through an unbelievably difficult and stressful time. We need to be cautions that we don’t put too much on the calendar for them as well," said Gilman.

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