BRIDGEPORT — The Bridgeport Community Day event set for Aug. 1 is being transitioned from an in person gathering to a virtual event to ensure the safety of the community.

Following an event meeting Thursday evening, the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 211 have decided to hold the event via a Facebook livestream from 6-10 p.m.

The first annual event was originally set to take place all day along South Lincoln Ave., however in light of additional orders imposed by Gov. Mike DeWine amid the coronavirus pandemic the event will now be held virtually.

Lt. Darby Copeland said it was a difficult decision, but necessary to ensure resident’s safety.

“We have been monitoring the virus and the orders from the governor, and we decided we needed to transfer the event to a virtual one,” he said.

“It’s not going to be how we intended it to be, but we still think it’s going to be really cool to have a fireworks display for the kids in the community, and the adults.”

It has been 15 years since the village has had a fireworks show, he said. The now virtual Community Day will be livestreamed on Facebook and will conclude with a fireworks show at 10 p.m. The fireworks will be launched from Gould Park.

The FOP decided to hold the event to establish a positive relationship within the community and to give back to the residents.

The live showing will include a town blessing from local pastors, a message from the mayor, live musical entertainment and prizes.

“We’re going to have live music all night and we’ll be giving away prizes for people who comment on the virtual showing,” Copeland said.

Event organizers are encouraging residents to enjoy the virtual show and fireworks show from their porches.

“We are still hoping people will get out of the house and visit with their neighbors, while still maintaining social distancing,” he said.

Copeland said the event would not be possible without the support of local businesses who donated toward the event including Lansing Sportsman’s Club, Unified Bank, Trinity Health System, Bridgeport Rotary Club, Gateway Church, City Advertising, The Nugget, and the FOPA Lodge 100.