DETROIT – It’s truly the official start of summer here in the city of Detroit: the 68th Ford Fireworks
“I say this every year, this show is going to bigger and better than we’ve ever done it,” Tony Michaels, the CEO and President of the Parade Company, said on Thursday. “We do that every single year.”
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If you’re planning on coming Downtown to see the Ford Fireworks on Monday, you’re going need to get here early and this year you’ll have plenty of places to choose from.
The traditional places to see the fireworks are always there at Hart Plaza, Belle Isle and Spirit Plaza.
Belle Isle will open for vehicle traffic at 2:00pm on Monday – pedestrians and bike riders can come all day long. Remember, you have to have a recreation passport in order to get on the island and you can’t stop and watch from the MacArthur Bridge.
This year, there are two new places to check things out
Erma Henderson Park on Jefferson has a capacity of 1,500 people, it serves as a less-crowded alternative if the downtown other spots downtown.
Then there’s Ralph Wilson Park – which opened back in October. Unlike the other parks along the riverfront and downtown, Wilson will be open for ticket holders only.
According to the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, which runs the park, access will only be available to pre-registered guests only who will receive free tickets through local community groups in and around Southwest Detroit and Corktown.
There will be no general public admission.
As for getting around Downtown Detroit:
- Get there early. Most places will fill up early in the afternoon and close access by 6:00pm
- Make sure you bring your chairs, umbrellas and blankets. Most parks are also Pet friendly.
- Traffic and street closures will be heavy so watch for road closures. The Detroit Police could also close off traffic as well.
If you’re already downtown, use the People Mover, DDOT Buses, or the QLine rather than trying to driving and parking directly by the Riverfront. There are parking lots available but be prepared to pay and bring cash with you, just in case.
Also, the city will be enforcing their newly-minted curfew starting on Monday night for unaccompanied minors ages 17 and under. It starts at 8 p.m. and runs until 6 a.m. Tuesday morning.
And remember if you aren’t able to make the trip down here tomorrow, we’ve got you covered as the 68th Ford Fireworks can be seen live right here on Local 4 and streaming on Local 4+ starting at 8:00pm on Monday night.