Ford Fireworks show tonight in Detroit - what you need to know
DETROIT (WJBK) - Tonight, Detroit will get to enjoy one of the country's largest and most magnificent fireworks displays. The Ford Fireworks has become a summer staple and a tradition everyone has celebrated together as a region for 58 years.
The show begins tonight at 9:48 p.m. This year, the show will feature more fireworks than ever before, with more than 10,000 pyrotechnic effects which will be visible for miles along the Detroit River. New this year are ghost shell fireworks, which the firework shell opens in black with sudden color explosions in circular shapes.
Pyrotechnic choreographer Patrick Brault tells us more than 11,000 fireworks are going off, and that the show will last roughly 23 minutes.
WHERE CAN I WATCH?
The fireworks will be set off from barges in the middle of the Detroit River. Possible viewing areas are Hart Plaza, Mt. Elliott Park, Owens Park, Erma Henderson Park and Belle Isle.
The first 1,000 cars to Belle Isle will get free admission, as Ford will be providing Michigan Department of Natural Resources Recreation Passports. This pass can be used at all participating state parks for the remainder of 2016.
You cannot watch from the MacArthur Bridge, though, and no one will be admitted onto Belle Isle before 2 p.m. Set up at Hart Plaza is also not allowed until after 2 p.m.
For the best seat in the house, consider joining us at the FOX 2 Ford Fireworks viewing party at Coach Insignia -- dinner included. You can get more information on that here.
WHAT WILL THE WEATHER BE LIKE?
Temperatures are expected to reach the 90s today. The FOX 2 Weather Authority team says the humidity will ease up as the day goes by, though, so there is a good chance for a nice breeze later on in the day. As the sun sets, the wind is expected to calm down a bit in time for the show.
CURFEW INFORMATION
The city is enforcing a curfew for children 17 and under that will be in effect from 8 p.m. tonight until 6 a.m. Tuesday. Minors watching the fireworks must be with a parent, legal guardian or other responsible adult 12 years and over.
Minors will be allowed to travel to and from work, school, church or organized activities.
Minors found in violation of the curfew will be taken to the Coleman A. Young Recreation Center to be picked up by a parent or guardian.
You can find more information on viewing spots, parking and curfew here.