UPDATE: Salisbury Reverses Course, Cancels Third Friday Amid Smokey Conditions
UPDATE: The City of Salisbury has decided against its previous plans to hold July’s Third Friday, and is now canceling the event.
“After continued monitoring and review of current air quality conditions, the City of Salisbury has decided to cancel the July 3rd Friday event, originally scheduled for July 17, 2026, to prioritize the health and safety of employees, vendors, performers, and visitors,” the City said in a post on social media. “The City appreciates the community’s understanding and cooperation as we continue to monitor evolving conditions while ensuring the safety and well-being of those who participate in City events.”
Third Friday attendees and vendors are encouraged to come back for August’s Third Friday, which will be Back-to-School themed and held on Aug. 21.
SALISBURY, Md. – The City of Salisbury has no plans to cancel this month’s regularly scheduled Third Friday festivities amid poor air quality conditions hitting the Eastern Shore.
On Friday afternoon around 1:00 p.m., the City announced that the monthly event would still be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Jul. 17, with this month’s theme celebrating 250 years of Maryland. Residents who still plan to attend the Downtown event are encouraged to take safety precautions, as smoke from northern wildfires continues to affect much of the Delmarva Peninsula. The City of Salisbury recommends the following:
- Wearing a well-fitting mask if outdoors for extended periods
- Taking breaks as needed and visiting an indoor space if needed
- Bringing water and staying hydrated
- Make the best decision for your personal health & comfort
Image Courtesy of Maryland Department of Environment
The announcement came after Governor Wes Moore’s Code Red Air Quality alert issued earlier in the day, which identifies people with asthma, COPD, or heart disease; older adults; pregnant women; young children; and anyone who works or exercises outdoors as the most at risk for being affected by ongoing air pollution. However, at the Code Red level, air pollution can affect everyone, not just sensitive or heavily exposed groups. Marylanders are encouraged to consider limiting time spent outdoors, and avoid prolonged or heavy exertion until air quality improves.
Salisbury City Councilwomen Angela Blake and Michele Gregory both publicly called on the City to cancel the event prior to the announcement made Friday afternoon. The decision to not cancel the event was also met with moderate backlash from Third Friday vendors. Natalee West, a local boutique owner, responded to the City in their comment section to say she and other vendors may not be in attendance.
“I’m usually a vendor every month & I’ve gotta sit this one out. It’s too dangerous out there today!” Natalee wrote.
Air conditions are expected to worsen throughout Friday before slowly improving throughout Saturday. For more information about specific warnings in your area, visit the Maryland Department of the Environment’s website here.
This article was originally published on Jul. 17 at 2:20 p.m.
