Towns across New Jersey have altered or outright canceled their Fourth of July celebration plans because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The fireworks in Toms River will happen this year, but with some changes.

The display will take place at Shelter Cove. It is normally a good spot to watch the fireworks with family. But this year due to social distancing, only the parking lot in the back will be open for viewing. Once that is full, people will have to go elsewhere to watch.

Recommendations include from across the Barnegat Bay in Lavallette or from Ortley Beach, Normandy Beach or Seaside Heights.

But with the threat of COVID-19 out there, will people gather to watch the fireworks?

“Any place that’s crowded currently we’re kind of staying away from,” says Jodi Seiferhelt of Freehold. “I think everyone just needs to be patient. Sit this one out this year and hope for better times next year.”

Seiferhelt says that she expects teenagers and 20-something to fill the waterfront, but says that since she sees many of them not wearing masks, she will stay away.

Meanwhile, other towns are canceling fireworks shows this year. Montclair has canceled its 100-year-old tradition. Wildwood’s mayor also called off the annual show.

"The public is not adequately following COVID-19 public safety rules such as social distancing. We can't take a chance that Wildwood sees a spike in cases and shuts down our businesses who have already suffered immensely due to closures,” the mayor said in a statement.

Macy’s annual fireworks display in New York City also saw some changes. The company will hold smaller displays across the city over five separate nights to avoid large crowds.