Police say crowd calm as EQT Flashes of Freedom Fireworks light up Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH — We all know Pittsburghers love fireworks and one of the biggest shows of the year went off smoothly Tuesday night.

The EQT Flashes of Freedom Fireworks, produced by StarFire Corp., lit up the Pittsburgh sky. The fireworks were part of Celebrate America.

Tens of thousands of people packed into Point State Park and along Pittsburgh’s riverbanks to watch the show.

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Channel 11 checked with police, who said six people were transported from Point State Park, mostly for heat-related issues. One arrest was made when an officer spotted a juvenile with a warrant, and one fight was broken up at Fifth and Wood Streets.

The ultimate goal for public officials was safety.

There were police on almost every street corner, mounted officers riding along and police patrolling on bicycles.

Here’s just some of what people saw and heard during the show:

• An eclectic soundtrack of patriotic and Americana-themed tunes alongside popular artists such as John Mellencamp, Jennifer Hudson, Bon Jovi, Lady Gaga and Kings of Leon.
• A special tribute to the Penguins winning back-to-back Stanley Cups.
• Specialty handmade firework shells in the form of strobes, jellyfish, golden willows, sunflowers and thousands of salutes in the finale.
• A special structure that created a 180-degree firing effect.

Encores will air on PCNC on Wednesday from 9-10 p.m. and on Saturday from 8:30-9:30 p.m.

Cox Media Group