Santa Monica College (SMC) has officially canceled "Celebrate America," due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions of large-scale, in-person events. This would have been the 38th year for the popular community picnic and fireworks spectacular, originally scheduled for Saturday, June 27, 2020.

"It is particularly disappointing that Celebrate America had to be cancelled this year, at a time when we at Santa Monica College would love to gather with our community," said Dr. Kathryn E. Jeffery, SMC Superintendent/President. "We look forward to future occasions, when we may celebrate with confidence, to host events safely. Please take care of yourself. Stay well. Stay strong! Stay connected."

"I can't predict when events like Celebrate America will be allowed to resume, or when folks will begin to feel comfortable in crowds again," said Linda Sullivan, SMC Event Producer and Associate Dean of Facilities Programming. "But when they do, they will be greeted with the greatest enthusiasm."

With campuses expected to stay closed for the remainder of the year, SMC will continue to deliver classes and student support services online. Several events that can be presented in virtual formats are also being planned, including free, live Drescher Planetarium shows on Friday nights starting in mid June (see smc.edu/planetarium), a live Virtual Launch Event for the SMC Emeritus Student Art Exhibition 2020 Online at 5 p.m. June 25 (see smc.edu/emeritusgallery), and SMC's 90th Commencement Ceremony at 5 p.m. June 26 (see smc.edu/graduation).

Additional upcoming events will be posted at smc.edu.