DETROIT (WWJ) — It’s that time of year again. Hundreds of thousands of people are expected in Downtown Detroit Monday night for the city’s annual Ford Fireworks show.
The 66th annual fireworks display is set for 10 p.m. on June 24. From where to park and watch to what you can and can’t bring, here’s what you can expect.
Where to watch
The best places to watch are Hart Plaza, Belle Isle and Spirit Plaza.
Hart Plaza and Spirit Plaza will be open to the general public until capacity is reached. Officials say pedestrian set-ups and/or gatherings will not be permitted before 2 p.m.
Anyone entering either plaza will be subject to security screening, as they are both weapons-free zones. Authorities will be searching coolers and backpacks.
While Belle Isle will be open to pedestrians and bicyclists at 5 a.m. Monday, it will be closed to vehicular traffic until 2 p.m. At that time, cars will be allowed to start making their way to the island until capacity is reached.
Drivers will need the Recreation Passport to enter the island. The passport, which is only needed for vehicles, may be purchased at the entrance for $14. The passport is $11 for out-of-state and international visitors for the day. Once island capacity is reached, no additional vehicles will be admitted to the park. To get updates on when the island is full, text GEM to 80888.
The following locations will be closed for public viewing
• RiverWalk in its entirety including Milliken State Park/Harbor
• AB Ford Park, 100 Lenox
• Gabriel Richard Park, 7130 E. Jefferson
• Mariner Park, 14700 Riverside Blvd.
• Lakewood East, 14578 Riverfront Blvd.
• Erma Henderson Park, 8800 E. Jefferson Ave.
• Owens Park, 8430 E. Jefferson Ave.
• Stockton Park, 9250 Dwight
• Maheras-Gentry Park, 12550 Avondale
• Elliott Park, 110 Mt. Elliott
• Riverside Park
Where to park
The Municipal Parking Department will not enforce parking meters after 5 p.m. on Monday, but drivers are advised to observe parking restrictions. Parking violators will be ticketed and, in some instances, vehicles may be towed. Motorists will be ticketed for:
• Improper parking (vehicles within 20 feet from crosswalk; within 15 feet from an intersection; within 30 feet of a stop sign or traffic control device; and within 15 feet of a fire hydrant)
• Parking in front of fire hydrants and bus stops or blocking driveways and alleys.
• Parking in designated zones, such as handicap zones (without proper credentials), fire lanes, no parking zones or no standing zones
The Municipal Parking Department will offer parking at these city-owned garages:
• Ford Underground Garage 6 a.m. - 1 a.m. $10
30 E. Jefferson
• Eastern Market Garage 6 a.m. - 11 p.m. $5
2727 Riopelle Street
Fireworks viewing from any parking facility and tailgating are prohibited. For more information, call (313) 221-2500 or go online to detroitmi.gov/parking.
What not to bring
The city released the following list of reminders of what is and isn’t allowed at Hart and Spirit Plazas:
• No tents, alcohol, drones, pets, or contraband (weapons, knives, etc.) will be allowed.
• Flames or fires are prohibited, and cooking is prohibited.
• Fireworks are not allowed.
• Reserving an area in excess of the number of people currently in the group is prohibited.
Belle Isle Park officials issued these reminders:
• Alcohol consumption is prohibited on the island.
• No tents and canopies allowed.
• From 2 - 4 p.m., all vehicles will be directed to the paddock area (except those with valid ADA placards)
• RV parking will be on the paddock area near the Casino.
• Consumer fireworks are prohibited on the island.
Street and freeway closures
The following traffic changes will go into effect at approximately 6 p.m. on June 24:
• No northbound or southbound traffic will be allowed on Woodward Avenue beginning at Park and Witherell. Motorists may cross Woodward at John R/Clifford, Grand River, and State/Gratiot.
• All streets south of Fort and west of Woodward will be closed.
• All streets south of Congress and east of Woodward will be closed.
• Beginning at 6 p.m., freeways will begin to close. *
The Detroit Police Department reserves the right to request closure of the freeways and surfaces streets earlier or later, depending on the volume of vehicle traffic.
Curfew enforcement
The City of Detroit will enforce its existing curfew for minors, ages 17 and under, that will be in effect from 8 p.m. on June 24 until 6 a.m. on June 25 for the area bounded by the Detroit River, Rosa Parks Blvd., Lodge Freeway, Fisher Freeway, the extension of Fisher Freeway east to include Gratiot Avenue, Vernor Highway, Chene Street, Atwater Street and Chene Park.
Minors are welcome to view the fireworks from any approved public area. However, for their safety, minors must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or other responsible adult (age 21 or over), if they choose to view from within the curfew boundaries. Minors will be allowed to travel to and from work, school, church or organized activities.
Minors in violation of the curfew will be taken to the Butzel Family Center, 7737 Kercheval. Minors will be held there until picked up by a parent or guardian. The parent or guardian also shall receive a parental responsibility violation ticket.