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Pittsburgh celebrates Fourth of July with Flashes of Freedom Fireworks

PITTSBURGH — UPDATE 11 p.m.: The rain and the threat of storms did not keep people away from downtown Pittsburgh Thursday night.

Around 7 p.m. it started pouring. Families cleared out quickly, but came right back as soon as the rain let up.

The big event was the fireworks. Channel 11's Michele Newell talked to a lot of people who said it was their first time coming to the Point to watch the show.

Newell said from what she saw, everything seems to have gone smoothly. We have a call into Pittsburgh police to see if there were any problems.

UPDATE 7 p.m.: The fireworks barges are being moved into place for tonight's Flashes of Freedom Fireworks show.

UPDATE: 6 p.m.: Event organizers tell Channel 11's Michele Newell they are ready to put on a great show for the tens of thousands of people expected downtown.

"It's one of the best shows in the country. It's been voted one of the top 10 shows in the country and I expect it to stay on that list," show producer Derek Weber said.

The show takes months to plan and the fireworks are all choreographed to music.

"We've got some surprises, some great things, something in store for everybody this evening," Vince Terizzi from Starfire said.

Terizzi didn't want to give everything away, but he did give us a hint.

"We have some unique devices that we make ourselves that are in the show.  Everyone will know when they go off," he said.

UPDATE: 4 p.m.: Crowds have started to build in Point State Park with several people setting up blankets and chairs. Channel 11's Michele Newell will be at the park all night talking to people who are looking forward to the show. Watch for her live reports on 11 News at 5, 6 and 11 at 11.

UPDATE: 6 a.m.: Channel 11's Mike Holden was on the North Shore Thursday morning as some early birds began setting up for the fireworks.

One person who was there said he had three tents set up, including one with a private bathroom. Watch the full story here.

ORIGINAL STORY: Public safety officials have announced added safety measures ahead of the Fourth of July fireworks at Point State Park.

Pittsburgh Police said they are teaming up with other law enforcement agencies to keep everyone safe Thursday.

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Up to 50,000 people at Point State Park for the annual fireworks show, and tens of thousands more will be watching from different vantage points across the city including the North Shore, downtown and Mt. Washington.

State, county and city mounted units will be on hand along with river rescue.

Items prohibited in the park include, but are not limited to: Alcohol, drones, grills, laser pointers, weapons, explosives or ammunition. Open carry is not permitted. Police will establish security checks inside the park to screen bags for prohibited items.

For people relying on the Port Authority, buses are operating on a Sunday/holiday schedule and light rail is operating on a special Fourth of July Schedule.

You can watch Pittsburgh's annual fireworks show on Channel 11. The WPXI Fourth of July Show, featuring the Flashes of Freedom Fireworks, is set for Thursday at 9 p.m.

 

Cox Media Group

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