The city of Cumming has announced a Fourth of July with some changes to accommodate social distancing due to the COVID-19 threat.

“We felt it was important to move forward with our July 4th activities,” Mayor Troy Brumbalow said. “In this community, I think we all deeply value Independence Day, and in celebrating Independence Day together, we will be celebrating everyone coming together as a nation to continue to work together to overcome.”

To better space out spectators, the Thomas-Mashburn Steam Engine Parade will take place over an extended route, beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 4, at the Forsyth County Tax Commissioner’s Office, 1092 Tribble Gap Road; passing through downtown Cumming, and ending at the Cumming Fairgrounds, 235 Castleberry Road.

The fairground gates will open to the public at about 4 p.m., July 4, but many traditional activities, such as live music, the pie- and hot-dog-eating contests and a dance contest, will not be held. Fireworks will begin about 9:30 p.m. Information: https://bit.ly/2MFv8Uf