国际英语资讯:Independence Day weekend celebrations diminish in U.S. West_时事

国际英语资讯:Independence Day weekend celebrations diminish in U.S. West

With Saturday's daytime temperatures hitting 45 degree Celsius, some residents in Arizona's capital Phoenix crowded into local parks, but most people stayed at home on Independence Day and joined family members and friends in backyard swimming pools to escape the heat.

"4th of July fireworks displays this year will largely be drive-up events so families can observe social distancing. Instead of attending parades," the magazine noted.

In Utah, where local officials mandated mask wearing last week, a number of fireworks displays took place around the state, although Governor Gary Herbert told KUTV 2-News to celebrate safely by "gathering in smaller groups, hold events outside, practice physical distancing and use masks."

"While we celebrate this weekend, let's do so safely. COVID-19 has changed how we interact & celebrate. Be especially careful around older family members and those at higher risk," Herbert posted on Twitter.

In the Big Sky state of Montana, most traditional Independence Day parades were "canceled due to COVID-19, although in Great Falls and Livingston parades and fireworks attract thousands of (mostly stay-home) viewers," KBZK 9-News reported.

Las Vegas, with its entertainment emphasis, sported perhaps the most impressive fireworks display in the west, with more than a dozen displays throughout the area.

The Star-Spangled Sky fireworks event began at 9 p.m. in Henderson, 16 miles from downtown Las Vegas, and featured four display locations, KLAS-TV reported. In nearby Sin City, a number of resorts and casinos lit up the skies, with shows continuing until 10:30 p.m.