Tag: 4th

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Safety challenges law enforcement face during 4th of July events

Safety challenges law enforcement face during 4th of July events

CLAWSON, Mich. (WXYZ) — As the nation reels from the tragedy in Highland Park, Illinois Monday, cities across metro Detroit are continuing their July 4th celebrations with heavy hearts and a heightened sense of alert.

From Clawson to Northville, it’s been a day full of activity in metro Detroit. From parades in the morning, to carnivals and fireworks in the evening, everyone is ready to celebrate the Fourth of July.

But in the wake of the tragic shooting just hours earlier in a Chicago suburb, there’s inevitably concern across the country. While law enforcement is prepared, open events pose a challenge.

“The problem is when you have an open venue like that at a carnival for example or a parade, you don’t have fixed points of entry,” said former FBI Supervisory Special Agent Andy Bartnowak, who previously worked in the Detroit field office.

Bartnowak has worked security for multiple major events in metro Detroit, such as the World Series, NCAA Final Four and the MLB All Star games. However, he says events like parades are challenging to secure.

“The bottom line is when you’re having a lot of people in one location and you’re not having a security point for them to enter, it makes it that more difficult,” Bartnowak said. “There’s no way you can really stop everybody and check everybody. So if somebody wants to come in there and cause… chaos and have a shooting, a mass shooting, it’s very difficult to stop.”

At their Fourth of July celebration, Clawson police was fully staffed with help from Michigan State Police, the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department and a handful of local agencies who were all hoping to keep concerns at bay and make sure the day is celebrated as safe as possible.

“I think the most we as citizens can do is be situationally aware,” Bartnowak said. “Situational awareness is nothing more than being aware of your surroundings… If you see something that doesn’t look right to you, there’s a reason it probably doesn’t look right and that’s when you go and alert security or law enforcement.”

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Surrounding Suburbs Cancel 4th of July Events in Wake of Highland Park Parade Shooting

Surrounding Suburbs Cancel 4th of July Events in Wake of Highland Park Parade Shooting

Multiple northern Chicago suburbs canceled Fourth of July events following a mass shooting along the Highland Park Independence Day Parade route Monday.

Glencoe officials said the village was canceling its Fourth of July parade as the city urged residents to “remain home” with the “threat still at large.”

“There have been no incidents or direct threats to Glencoe. Public Safety are monitoring the situation and recommend avoiding public and crowded areas at this time,” the village tweeted.

Glenview police announced around 11 a.m. that the town’s Fourth of July Parade was canceled “out of an abundance of caution.”

“There have been no incidents or direct threats to Glenview,” the department tweeted, adding that police were clearing the parade area, but the town’s fireworks display is still expected to take place Monday evening.

Nearby Deerfield announced its Family Days activities at Jewett Park were cleared and the parade in the town was canceled.

Evanston police said its holiday celebrations were canceled “effective immediately” due to the “tragic mass shooting.”

“While there is no known threat to Evanston residents, the shooter is still at large; therefore, cancelations are taking place in an abundance of caution,” the suburb stated in an alert. “Our thoughts and prayers are with our neighbors to the north.”

Northbrook announced its holiday activities, including the bike parade, mile-long parade and fireworks show were all canceled.

“Our thoughts are with our Highland Park neighbors,” the suburb said in an alert to residents.

Morton Grove also announced its parade was canceled Monday.

The public is being asked to avoid downtown Highland Park Monday as police respond to a shooting “in the area of the Independence Day parade route,” the Lake County Sheriff posted on Twitter.

“STAY OUT OF THE AREA – allow law-enforcement and first responders to do their work,” the sheriff posted.

Illinois State Police said the shooting situation is “active.”

“The Illinois State Police is currently assisting Highland Park PD with an active shoot situation that occurred at the Highland Park Parade,” police tweeted. “The public is advised to avoid the area of Central Ave and 2nd St. in Highland Park.”

According to multiple reports on Twitter, gunshots were heard at Highland Park’s Fourth of July parade. Further details were not immediately confirmed by police.

The city of Highland Park also urged people to avoid the area.

“Fourth Fest has been canceled. Please avoid downtown Highland Park. More information will be shared as it becomes available,” the north suburban Chicago town posted.

This is a breaking news story. Check back as details emerge.

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South Florida Cities Holding Events Monday to Celebrate July 4th Holiday

South Florida Cities Holding Events Monday to Celebrate July 4th Holiday

Across Miami-Dade and Broward on Monday, various cities will be holding events to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday on what will be America’s 246th birthday.

Lauderdale-By-The-Sea will hold a town parade with family-friendly events from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at El Prado Park, located at 4500 El Mar Drive. Miami Beach will hold its Fire on the Fourth Festival starting at noon at 73rd Street and Collins Avenue.

The city of Tamarac will hold a celebration starting at noon at the Caporella Aquatic Complex (9300 NW 58th Street) following by an All-American Celebration from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Tamarac Sports Complex.

Miami-Dade County Parks will hold a fireworks celebration starting at 4 p.m. at Tropical Park.

The city of Davie will hold its annual Fun on the 4th celebration from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Pine Island Park, located at 3801 S. Pine Island Road.

A drive-in fireworks show will take place at Calder Casino in Miami Gardens, located at 21001 NW 27th Avenue, with gates opening at 7 p.m. and the fireworks going off at 9 p.m.

The events conclude on Ocean Drive with a fireworks show and free patriotic concert at Lummus Park starting at 8:30 p.m.

For more events taking place across South Florida, click on this link.

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Fort Worth’s Fourth celebration among several 4th of July events Sunday, Monday

Fort Worth’s Fourth celebration among several 4th of July events Sunday, Monday

Fort Worth’s Fourth celebration among several 4th of July events Sunday, Monday

Many North Texas cities are preparing for their Fourth of July celebrations Saturday night and Monday.

FORT WORTH, Texas – Many North Texas cities are preparing for their Fourth of July celebrations Saturday night and Monday.

That includes Fort Worth, where Panther Island Pavilion will be packed with North Texans celebrating the holiday Monday night.

Panther Island Pavilion, along the Trinity River, was mostly empty Sunday, but some were setting up early ahead of Monday’s Fourth of July celebration.

“We’re here just to have some fun, watch this beautiful fireworks display,” Tracy Torres said.

Torres runs the food truck, TNT Roasted Corn. He was getting ready to sell his dishes.

“We serve roasted corn, roasted potatoes, corn stuffed roasted potatoes,” he said.

Selling some food while those attending grab a seat to the largest fireworks show in North Texas.

2022 July 4th Fireworks & Events in Dallas-Fort Worth

“We have a new fireworks vendor this year,” event spokesman Matt Oliver said.

Oliver said they’ll have swimming, live music, and plenty of options for all ages.

The event begins at 5 p.m. Monday, with the 30-minute grand finale fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.

An issue that’s somewhat typical for this time of year is the heat.

We’re looking at triple-digit temperatures Monday. Oliver said guests can bring a water bottle to use at filling stations.

“So if you bring one in, you know you can stay hydrated all day for free,” he added.

Vendors are certainly expecting a scorcher, but they said it’ll all be worth it once fireworks take over the sky.

“Well, we just do a lot of sweating, but we keep on moving,” Torres said.

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Several street closures planned for Welcome America’s July 4th weekend events

Several street closures planned for Welcome America's July 4th weekend events

Wawa Welcome America festival culminates with Party on the Parkway on July 4th

After a pandemic pause, the Wawa Welcome America Festival is back in Philadelphia to help residents and visitors alike celebrate the 4th of July holiday.

PHILADELPHIA – After a pandemic pause, the Wawa Welcome America Festival is back in Philadelphia to help residents and visitors alike celebrate the 4th of July holiday.

Nearly two-weeks of events will culminate on Independence Day with the Party on the Parkway and free concert headlined by Jason Derulo and Ava Max.

Of course, no 4th of July celebration would be complete without a massive fireworks display. Wawa’s Welcome America Firework Spectacular will start on the Parkway around 9:30 with an accompanying soundtrack by DJ Ghost.

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“Everyone is welcome we want everyone to come down we just want folks to be prepared,” President and CEO of Welcome America Michael DelBene said.

There are several road and street closures planned for the weekend and Independence Day.

Sunday

  • North side of Market Street between 5th and 6th Streets from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • 5th Street between Chestnut Street and Market Street from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
  • 6th Street between Chestnut Street and Walnut Street from 8 a.m. to noon

In preparation for the July 4th Concert and Party on the Parkway, the following road closure will be in effect beginning 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 3 until approximately 4 a.m. on Tuesday, July 5:

  • Logan Circle
  • Winter Street between 21st Street and Ben Franklin Parkway

Monday

  • 2nd Street between Race Street and Chestnut Street from 6 a.m.
  • Chestnut/Market Street Viaduct between Chestnut and Front Streets to 2nd and Market Streets from 6 a.m.
  • Market Street between 3rd Street to Front Street from 6 a.m.
  • Front Street between Dock Street to Market Street from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Chestnut Street between 2nd Street and Front Street from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The following streets will be closed from 10:30 a.m. until conclusion of parade: 

  • 3rd Street between Race Street and Chestnut Street
  • 4th Street between Race Street and Chestnut Street
  • 5th Street between Race Street and Chestnut Street
  • 6th Street between Race Street and Chestnut Street
  • 7th Street between Race Street and Chestnut Street
  • 8th Street between Race Street and Chestnut Street
  • 9th Street between Race Street and Chestnut Street
  • 10th Street between Race Street and Chestnut Street
  • 11th Street between Race Street and Chestnut Street
  • 12th Street between Race Street and Chestnut Street
  • JFK Blvd. between Market Street and 15th Street
  • N. Broad Street between JFK Blvd. and Vine Street
  • S. Penn Square from S. Broad Street to E. Market Street
  • E. Market from Front Street to City Hall
  • 12th Street between Vine Street and Market Street
  • 13th Street between Vine Street and Market Street
  • Arch Street between 12th Street and Broad Street

For more information about the closures, including bus detours and other public transit routes, click here.

Philadelphia, the birthplace of America, is expecting an influx of visitors during the holiday weekend. The Philadelphia Police Department said it will have increased patrols to accommodate for the larger-than-normal crowds.

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A look at July 4th events in the Chippewa Valley

A look at July 4th events in the Chippewa Valley

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU) – This holiday weekend, communities throughout the Chippewa Valley are hosting events celebrating America’s birthday.

Altoona is hosting fireworks Saturday night at Cinder City Park. The show starts around 10 p.m. Before the fireworks, the city is hosting it’s annual Independence Day celebration at the park.

“We have a lot of activities for the whole family. We have a 5K race and kids races, which are shorter distances. We have a kids zone, which is bouncy house, $5 per kid. We have a cribbage tournament that you can sign up for. We have food trucks, vending and, of course, we have the Big Deeks playing,” Altoona City Administrator Mike Golat said.

The event begins at 5 p.m. Admission to the park is free.

“Come on down, get your spot and get ready for the fireworks,” Golat said. “Enjoy some music, enjoy some good food, activities for the kids and adults and have fun.”

In Eau Claire, fireworks return to their traditional spot Monday night at Carson Park.

Eau Claire Parks, Recreation and Cemetery Manager Steve Plaza said they’re back in the park in conjunction with the city’s 150th anniversary celebration.

“You can watch them from the grandstands on the baseball field, you also can watch them from the bleacher areas in the football fields, some open grass areas in the park itself,” he said. “I know a lot of people go down to Phoenix to watch them and also Half Moon Beach is a popular spot.”

The fireworks begin around 10 p.m.

Plaza said if they’re canceled due to weather the city will hold the show Tuesday night.

The Eau Claire Express also play Monday afternoon. The team is letting people on the field after the game to watch the fireworks.

The city will be making the roads around Carson Park one way Monday night. People can enter the park from Lake Street and exit from Menomonee.

WEAU will be broadcasting Monday’s fireworks show live.

Chippewa Falls is hosting Music at the Riverfront Saturday this week at Riverfront Park. It’s usually held on Sundays. The live music event will culminate with fireworks.

Copyright 2022 WEAU. All rights reserved.

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Long weekend of events will celebrate 4th

This weekend, communities across southwest New Mexico will celebrate the birth of our nation with a range of festivities — including large events set to take place at Gough Park on Monday, July 4, itself.
The Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce will kick things off Monday morning at 8 in Gough Park with a breakfast prepared by the Kiwanis Club that includes scrambled eggs, sausage and a drink for $7. The flag will be officially raised in a ceremony at 9 a.m., with Keana Huerta singing the national anthem, and the Independence Day Parade will begin near the park at 10 a.m.
The parade theme this year is “America the Beautiful,” and Chamber leaders expect at least 100 entries, along with 62 vendors in Gough Park. The number of vendors has almost doubled since last year’s event.
“We have the Illusion Band that will be performing at 11 a.m., and the Silver Stompers will be performing a dance routine,” Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Romeo Cruz said. “At about 2:15 p.m., we will have the Siempre Band closing out the day.”
Park festivities will take place until 6 p.m., and a Kiwanis beef barbecue lunch will also be available for $10 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“I was talking to park officials — they do this every year, and they are expecting, especially with this size, 7,000 to 9,000 people,” Cruz said. “It’s going to be a big show — our parade route is returning to the original.… Last year, it was changed due to the COVID requirements.”
The parade will start at Pope and 13th streets, and will turn left on College Avenue, right on Bullard Street, left on Broadway and make another left on Hudson for a return trip to Gough Park.
“We’re excited for this event. We hold this every year,” Cruz said. “We’re especially excited how people have turned out to want to be involved in this, and be involved in the parade and be a vendor. We support all local businesses, and we support the tourism here — this is great for Grant County.”
The Silver City Museum will hold its annual Ice Cream Social on Monday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Two outside food vendors will be available, the Mint Chip Creamery and La Bonita Bakery, and hot dogs and other refreshments will also be offered in-house from the museum. Live music will be performed from a tent behind the museum with four live performances, and children’s activities, including crafts, face painting and games, will also be available.
“This is the 38th year that the museum has presented the Ice Cream Social for the public,” said Museum Director Bart Roselli. “It’s a great event for everybody, young and old.”
The Silver City Museum timed its event so that community members could enjoy the parade and events at Gough Park before ending the day at the museum.
“People have been asking whether we’re going to bring the cake walk back or not, and it’s definitely back this year,” Roselli said. “Dozens of volunteers in the community have baked a cake or [otherwise] given us a cake.”
They are anticipating a total of 40 donated cakes, according to museum Community Engagement Manager Sarah Zamora, who said they are still accepting more cake donations. To donate a cake, call the museum at 575-538-5921 and ask for Zamora.
A town-sponsored fireworks show will take place 30 minutes after sunset July 4, and will be launched from the Southwest Concrete and Paving plant behind the Grant County Administration Building.
“We were trying to do the same size show as we did the last couple of years,” said Silver City Town Manager Alex Brown. “Because of all the sourcing issues throughout the country we couldn’t get as much, but it’s still going to be a really nice show.”
The Silver City Fire Department will bring in additional personnel this year to ensure nothing goes wrong with the show, according to Brown.
To the north, Glenwood will host their Fourth of July Weekend at the Glenwood Park this year, starting Saturday from 10 a.m. to midnight with a rodeo, art auction and dance. Sunday will see a pancake breakfast, followed by a dance and BBQ; and things wrap up Monday, July 4, from 5 to 9 p.m. with a veterans’ parade, dance and pulled pork sandwiches, and fireworks will fill the sky after dusk.
“Once you get through the first couple of years, it’s an annual event, and folks look forward to it,” said Glenwood Park board member Mark Sprague. “The ranch rodeo has a lot of teams that want to enter — it’s really turning into a fun event for everybody. It’s run well and it’s a good time. It’s a family time, and we just enjoy it.”
—JORDAN ARCHUNDE

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Several events canceled in light of Floyd County mass shooting

Several events canceled in light of Floyd County mass shooting

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WSAZ) -Several events have been canceled in light of the tragedy that took place Thursday in Floyd County, Kentucky.

“He was a sheer terrorist” | Sheriff calls attack that killed 2 officers, injured 6 others planned

On Thursday, a violent standoff situation killed two police officers and injured six others, including five additional police officers.

In light of the tragedy, the City of Prestonsburg along with neighboring counties have canceled Independence Day celebrations scheduled.

The City of Prestonsburg postponed the Star City Day, fireworks, and music in Archer Park.

Director Samantha Johnson said they plan on coming together in the near future.

The carnival will go on as scheduled.

A post on the Prestonsburg Tourism Facebook page.
A post on the Prestonsburg Tourism Facebook page.(WSAZ)

In Pike County, the City of Pikeville announced the ‘Independence Day at Pikeville Festival’ has been canceled out of respect.

Pikeville Mayor Jimmy Carter offered his condolences in a statement:

“Independence Day is a celebration of our highest American values– the very ideals these courageous law enforcement officers gave their lives to protect. Instead of gathering for the festival, we encourage every Pikeville family to join us in prayer for the fallen officers and humble gratitude for their sacrifice.”

While this weekend’s festival is canceled, the City of Pikeville’s fireworks show for Monday at 9:45 p.m. will still occur as planned.

Keep checking the WSAZ app for the latest information.

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