MOSES LAKE — The city of Moses Lake will close parking lots at McCosh Park and at the nearby Surf 'n Slide Water Park for the Fourth of July fireworks show, according to city officials

All of the annual Freedom Fest activities in McCosh Park have been canceled, except for the fireworks show, though gatherings in the park are discouraged.

Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and a recent surge of cases in Grant County, city officials did not want large groups gathering at the park during Freedom Fest, but neither did they want to close the park outright, Police Chief Kevin Fuhr said.

“If we cut down a couple hundred parking stalls, hopefully that will stop people from showing up in large groups with barbecues,” Fuhr said.

Attendees are still allowed to come to the park but are asked to walk and not to drive, Fuhr added.