Portales cancels fireworks display

PORTALES — Citing uncertainty over mass gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic and anticipating difficulties in raising the necessary funds, the Roosevelt County Chamber of Commerce has decided to cancel its Independence Day fireworks display.

According to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s office, a phased reopening in early July limits mass gatherings to 100 people.

“The chamber and our local public safety folks all agree that the ability to keep families distanced from each other would be very difficult if not impossible,” Chamber Executive Director Karl Terry said. “The prudent thing is to cancel the public show and let folks have their own celebrations at home this year.”

Any money raised so far, Terry said, will be rolled into the 2021 fireworks display.