Boaters Begin Docking Along North Shore Ahead Of Fourth Of July Weekend
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Some want to be there for the Fourth of July, others for Billy Joel, and many more for country music star Kenny Chesney.
With so many events crammed into just a few days, this looks to be a big summer for the boating crowd. But it was not that long ago the city was talking about cracking down on the flotilla.
This weekend, the mooring spots along the North Shore will fill. The only restriction, the boats along the wharf must be tied up to official docking cleats and structures.
Charlie Puth will be the opening act on what will be quite a July 4th weekend when he tickles the ivories at PNC Park next Friday night.
He opens the show for the Piano Man's returns to Pittsburgh, only to be followed 24 hours later by country superstar Kenny Chesney ninth visit to Heinz Field.
"The atmosphere with the boats is second to none," says Heinz Field Manager Jimmy Sacco. "He made a comment to me once that it's like being at Key West."
Already the armada is taking shape.
With the Lady Elaine in the North Shore's prime spot, Jim Roemer, of Reserve Township, says it's all about first come, first served and there's no such thing as too early.
"We got here Memorial Day," he says. "It's fun leading up to Kenny Chesney, too. Every weekend is a blast."
Ron Bachorski got the tie-off spot he wanted. He's kind of the advance boat.
"I have a couple of buddies who will come with me, so they'll be with me, too. I have to work next week, too," said Bachorski.
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"There is no timeframe for being moored up. You can be moored up for more than 24 hours," says Pennsylvania Waterways Conservation Officer Mike Johnson.
But when it comes to tied-up boats side-by-side or rafting, Johnson says, "You cannot raft where it is going to interfere with any type of navigation."
But he adds the boaters know the rules.
"By and large, I think the crowd is pretty good and the boaters are pretty good," Johnson says.
North Shore restaurants say bring it on.
"I love when the streets are filled," says Alexis DePetro, the manager at Bar Louie. "It's like a big block party. It's going to be nuts, but it's going to be fun for sure."
With The Clarks at Stage AE this Saturday night and the Pirates and Dodgers at PNC Park all weekend, the boaters will have quite an appetizer this weekend for the big events next week.