The Mathews County Fireworks Committee has canceled this year’s 4th of July Fireworks display because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but promises the celebration will return next year.

Organizers Jeannie and Jeremy Elliott said that, while July 4 is well after the June 10 date that Gov. Ralph Northam set for ending statewide measures to control the spread of the disease, they expect that there may still be some restrictions “on the other side of the curve.”

“There will still be some sporadic cases,” said Jeremy Elliott, “and people come here from all over to see the show. The biggest thing is the safety of the people.”

Beyond that, the mother-son team said they’re reluctant to ask local businesses for funds to support the display when so many of them are closed and so many people are out of work. The annual fund drive for the fireworks display typically begins shortly after tax day, they said. Fundraising efforts also include the sale of raffle tickets at three local festivals, all of which have been cancelled, further decreasing fundraising capabilities.

While there is money left over from last year, it’s not enough to pay for the celebration, and Jeannie Elliott said the money will be used to help pay for “a great show next year.” She said she had already purchased one of the door raffle prizes; it will be put in storage for next year.

Jeremy Elliott said he would be surprised if there were any Fourth of July celebrations this year. The company he purchases fireworks from told him they had already received cancellations. In addition, he said, most of the fireworks they purchase come from China, and few of those shipments are coming into the U.S.

“We struggled with this,” said Jeannie Elliott. “But as time goes on and businesses are closed, we don’t want to ask.”

Scott Sadler, speaking along with the Elliotts, thanked local businesses “for always being there” and said the cancellation “is not a stop. It’s just a pause.”