Big Series Of Events To Mark Fourth Of July Weekend In Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - The weather seems to be cooperating for the Fourth of July, which is great since there are so many things happening Downtown and on the North Shore.
Boaters docked on the North Shore started arriving this week just to ensure that they get the best spot for this holiday weekend.
For Brooke Evans and her Uniontown family, this is how they celebrate Independence Day every year.
"We do this every year," she said. "It's just a big party. Yes, a lot of fun."
What isn't there to enjoy? The water, the fireworks and the music all lend itself to a jam-packed weekend.
Joe Salm and Scott Rosa want to set the record straight about previous situations, where they feel boaters docked along the North Shore for July 4, have gotten a bad rap.
"We've been coming down here for eight years and it's a great time and just so everybody knows, the boaters don't make that mess that's in the parking lot. That's not us, we clean everything up," Rosa said.
It all starts tonight with Billy Joel kicking things off at PNC Park.
Guy Costa, Chief Operations Officer for the City of Pittsburgh, said people will have plenty to do.
"We have a lot of activities planned for outside around Heinz Field, and there are great establishments on the North Shore. We ask that fans come by and enjoy the day, not get crazy," he said.
On Saturday, Kenny Chesney will keep the "No Shoes Nation" crowd singing at Heinz Field.
"Kenny is like part of Pittsburgh, this is the ninth time he's coming back, he loves Pittsburgh, he loves the setting, he loves the boats and he says there's no prettier setting than the three rivers," explained Heinz Field Executive Director Jimmie Sacco.
Keeping things clean is a top priority. So, ALCO Parking has plans in place to have crews cleaning during the concerts. They will also be handing out garbage and recycling bags to Chesney fans, as a friendly reminder of where to put your trash.
The grand finale of this weekend is the Fourth of July fireworks show that will be set off close to Point State Park.
"We have a whole kid zone, we will have patriotic crafts and things that will keep kids busy, we have a balloon artist coming to make red, white and blue creations," said Darcy Kucenic with Peony Entertainment.
It begins Monday at 9:36 p.m. and is expected to last for 24 minutes. As many as half a million people are expected to attend.
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