In a last-minute announcement, New Orleans city leaders say this year’s Go 4th on the River fireworks display will happen this Sunday thanks to actor Will Smith.
The two barges on the river will fire off dueling fireworks starting at 9:00 p.m. along the city riverfront.
Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s office says the fireworks display was made possible by actor and producer Will Smith, along with his company Westbrook.
Smith’s production company is currently in production on "Emancipation" filming here in New Orleans.
Organizers had canceled this year’s event because they could not secure funding, until now.
The city says Jackson Square will close early on Sunday at 5 p.m. Crescent Park will extend its hours to 10 p.m. to accommodate spectators.
To ensure the safety of pedestrians, the NOPD will restrict traffic, with no vehicles allowed on the following streets:
Bourbon Street from Canal to St. Ann streets from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. The 700 and 800 blocks of Iberville, Bienville, Conti, St. Louis, Toulouse, St. Peter, Orleans and St. Ann streets from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Decatur Street from Canal to Dumaine streets from 6:30 p.m. (or until crowd size warrants) and until crowds disperse. No-parking zones will be in effect on the following streets:
Bourbon Street from Canal to St. Ann streets from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. The 700 and 800 blocks of Iberville, Bienville, Conti, St. Louis, Toulouse, St. Peter, Orleans and St. Ann streets from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Decatur Street from Canal to Dumaine streets from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m.