Independence Day has a little something for everyone. It’s a chance to show off your patriotism, revel in the bright, shiny lights, and enjoy copious amounts of barbeque and booze with your loved ones. This year, however, you’ll have to forego the dazzling light display for something a little more virtual, as Orlando's Lake Eola fireworks display has been officially canceled. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer broke the news Tuesday morning, Fox35 quoting him in calling it an “incredibly tough decision.” This would have been the show’s 43rd anniversary, and it's the first time it has ever been canceled. "Public safety was our chief concern in making this difficult decision," Dyer told Fox35. “We feel this is the right and responsible thing to do." The annual event draws thousands of admirers from all around Central Florida. Having so many people in such close proximity could put gatherers at risk for contracting COVID-19 and would not comply with the CDC's social distancing guidelines. Instead, viewers will be able to tune in to News 6 and ClickOrlando.com to watch prerecorded highlights of past fireworks shows at Lake Eola. Under normal circumstances, the two channels usually air them live. Fireworks at the Fountain 2020 on News 6This is not something we wanted to do and we did not take making this decision lightly. But in an effort to keep our community safe, we've decided to host a virtual Fireworks at the Fountain on News 6 WKMG / ClickOrlando, instead of our regular event at Lake Eola Park on July 4th. Public safety was our chief concern in making this difficult decision - this event annually brings more than 100,000 residents to Downtown Orlando. And while we are disappointed, we feel this is the right and responsible thing to do. We will still celebrate our nation as a community, just not in person.Posted by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer on Tuesday, May 12, 2020 On the bright side, spooked swans and petrified pups will get a break from the explosion sounds that normally crack the sky during the holiday. Before the show, News 6 will also honor veterans, healthcare workers, and first responders with a 1-hour special. View this post on Instagram Fireworks at the Fountain! Happy Independence Day America. ✨⛲🎆 #downtown #orlando #lakeeola #myview #fireworks #orlandostrong #independenceday #happy4th #fourthofjuly #nofilter A post shared by @ queenjo_reigns on Jul 4, 2016 at 7:30pm PDT Dyer emphasized that there is still plenty to celebrate though, just from home instead of at Lake Eola. The Orlando mayor was quoted in a ClickOrlando report saying, “Maybe this year we celebrate how well we did at staying at home and social distancing and wearing our masks and washing our hands.” View this post on Instagram #Tonight come watch @180downtown the #lakeeolafireworks as it lights up #beautiful #downtownorlando Doors open 7pm Deejay line - @djosebravo - @dj_phiona - @dj_guij A TRUE international night on a Wednesday night celebration 4th of July A post shared by 𝐎𝐫𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩 (@orlandoproductiongroup) on Jul 4, 2018 at 7:16am PDT "We did a really good job in controlling the virus," continued Dyer, "and we need to continue on that path as we're in this Phase 1 of reopening our businesses."