Chicago Preparing Security Measures For New Year's Eve Festivities
CHICAGO (CBS) -- City officials have been working to make sure everyone rings in the new year safely this weekend.
With parties planned all across the city, you can expect security to be tight on New Year's Eve, especially at Navy Pier, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
Thousands of revelers were expected to pack Navy Pier on Saturday for New Year's Eve; and security is top of mind, whether you plan to visit Winter Wonder Fest, take a Lake Michigan cruise, or just watch the midnight fireworks show.
Security officers with metal-detecting wands, uniformed and plain clothes police, and K-9 units will be all over the pier to make sure the New Year's festivities go off without a hitch.
Chicago police were not being specific about their security plans for New Year's Eve, but Navy Pier officials stressed extra security will be in place.
Security measures will include bag inspections, and strict enforcement of Navy Pier's youth escort policy, which requires guests under the age of 18 to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian after 5 p.m.
Along the Chicago River, another celebration calls for security measures with authorities expecting large crowds for Chi Town Rising.
The second annual New Year's Eve celebration will feature a fireworks show on the river, and a 70-foot star will rise at midnight on the side of the Hyatt Regency Chicago.
A handful of streets have been closed to make way for Chi Town Rising, including Stetson Avenue from Upper Wacker Drive to South Water Street, and Upper Wacker Drive from Michigan Avenue to Columbus Drive.
The city's Office of Emergency Management and Communications reminded Chicago residents to remain attentive during holiday celebrations, and to report any unusual activity, stressing "If you see something, say something."