This year, the Fourth of July will look different. Yes, the pandemic will still have some influence over this year’s Independence Day activities; however, the cases are decreasing, and new CDC guidance is allowing many to go maskless. President Biden will open the White House this year for fireworks, which signifies another step out of the pandemic.

President Biden has stated that a 1,000-person group of essential workers and military families will be on the South Lawn of the White House for a fireworks celebration on the 4th of July. The Biden administration even encouraged other Washington, D.C., leaders to hold similar celebrations. This is a very large step suggesting that the pandemic is not a cause to hold off on celebrations anymore. 

This also suggests that gatherings are now acceptable. The impact that the last year has had on our ability to socialize makes this move by the current administration the most significant demonstration that we are almost back to normal. The U.S. is still behind on its goal to vaccinate 70% of adults by July 4th. However, Biden’s move to allow the White House to open for a crowd points that we are heading in the right direction. 

Another difference this year’s Independence Day will have is the possible firework shortage. Phantom Fireworks, the country’s largest consumer-based firework supplier, is encouraging people to get their fireworks early this year as they are predicting they may run out. Last year’s Fourth of July also saw a shortage in consumer-based firework supply because more people stayed at home and watched their own fireworks instead of going to crowded events as they did years prior.

“Like many other industries, the fireworks industry has also experienced delays due to shipment challenges facing the global market,” Alan Zoldan, Phantom executive vice president, said in a statement. “The good news is that we prepared early in anticipation of high demand again this year and are encouraging Phantom customers to do the same.”

In combination with President Biden encouraging celebrations, there may be less of a demand for personal-use fireworks, but supplies are still lower than demand.