Big Crowds Expected Downtown For July 4th Weekend
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The Fourth of July is always a fun time in Pittsburgh, and this year is no exception.
The Three Rivers Regatta gets underway Saturday morning, and the festivities cap off with the annual fireworks show on Monday night.
Organizers are expecting huge crowds at Point State Park all weekend, in part because there will be a lot to do. So, if you plan to come to any of the events, your best bet is give yourself plenty of time to get there.
It's the water sports, especially the power boat races, that attract the crowds but there's certainly a lot more.
Circus Orange will be a big attraction this year, too.
"A troop out of Canada who [are] really skilled acrobats, dancers, aerialists; and they infuse everything that they're doing on the main stage with pyrotechnics," said Mike Dongilli, one of the organizers of the regatta.
The work of sand sculptor Thomas Koet and his helpers is also expected to bring a lot of people downtown. It takes 11 days to finish his work of art, located just past the bridge in Point State Park.
"If you're going to make a really nice sand sculpture, what you need is nice sand, lots of water and lots of time," said Koet. "The more time the nicer you can make it."
It all leads up to fireworks Monday night, but don't try to stop on the bridges. State police won't allow it.
"There's going to be a lot of traffic. We're just asking that people be patient," said Trooper Robin Mungo, of the state police. "Probably the first thing you need to do if you're coming into the city is give yourself some additional time to get to your destination. If you want to view the fireworks, get to where you're supposed to be probably about 30 minutes in advance."
As another reminder, no bikes, skateboards, animals or alcohol are permitted in Point State Park during the festivities.
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