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,...