PITTSBURGH — We are just hours away from Pittsburgh’s annual firework show, when Point State Park will be filled with thousands of people.
Out on the river, the barge is already loaded with fireworks.
We learned what you should know before heading to the Point.
“Security is at the top of the list and we want people to have a safe and good time,” said Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire Chief Daryl Jones.
With thousands expected to head to the park and thousands more to watch from around the city Tuesday evening, officials are ramping up safety measures.
“There will be increased EMS units on scene. There will be increased security all the way around, more police officers out tomorrow,” Jones said.
The city will also use a private security company for additional manpower and bag checks.
“Six checkpoints at both entrances at the Mon Warf, two at the main entrances, and then two more when guests come across Fort Duquesne Bridge just to ensure no one is bringing in anything inappropriate,” Public Safety Director, Lee Schmidt said.
Happy Fourth of July 🇺🇸- if you are heading to Point State Park here is a helpful reminder of what you can and can’t bring into the park: pic.twitter.com/p4EaUw4c7I
— Talia Kirkland (@talia_kirkland) July 4, 2023
City police will work 12-hour shifts to help with the large crowds.
As for the rivers, boats are allowed, but there will be strict guidelines and safety zones.
“They can still see, but they just will be in the area where if there is a faulty shell, they can be relatively safe,” Jones explained.
Point State Park will be the central location for festivities from 4 to 10 p.m., including food, music and vendors.
People won’t be allowed in after 9:30 p.m., when the show is about to start.
Across the river, the North Shore will also have activities, making this year’s event even bigger. But officials say it’s the weather, not crowd size, that they are most concerned about.
“We are excited for today. We are set up out front so people can grab stuff and get over to the fireworks. We don’t want them to miss anything, so we have a grill set up and dine in service until 10 tonight,” said Anna Brailey who’s the GM at Southern Tier.
For a full list of road closures and event details, click here.
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