Pittsburgh's First Night celebration is tonight. Here's what you need to know.
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The Highmark First Night celebration in Pittsburgh will have a lot of activities for just about everybody, including parades, music and 60,000 pounds of ice.
If you are coming Downtown on Tuesday for First Night festivities, expect street closures in the area of the Cultural District along Penn Avenue from Stanwix Street to 10th Street. Officials say to consider parking on the North Shore or Station Square and using public transportation.
What is First Night Pittsburgh?
Those who've been to the celebration before say you don't want to miss it.
"I'll probably come down, enjoy the lights, enjoy the company, the family, the fun, the food, everything. And have a good time in the city," McKees Rocks resident Jessica Griffin said.
"I like the parade. I think it was (Pittsburgh) CAPA who gave out little paper matchet babies," Brooline's Jane Kilmer said.
According to the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, this year's celebration will be busy.
"So much stuff. This year we have our outdoor performance with local artist Frzy, who so many people love, and I know he's excited to put on a full concert for everybody," Cultural Trust representative Brooke Horejsi said.
Frzy is one of many artists entertaining the more than 22,000-plus people expected to come Downtown on Tuesday night.
"We have fireworks at the beginning of the night and the end," Horejsi said. "And an ice maze."
Let's talk about all that ice.
"(The maze) is over 60,000 pounds of ice," says Richard Bubin, owner of Ice Creations.
Bubin and his assistants have been sculpting it into an ice maze that pays homage to the commonwealth, with the State Capitol, a Bantam Jeep, the Gateway Clipper, and some notable details from the eastern side of the state.
All of this is happening thanks to the event sponsor, Highmark Health.
"It's a lot of fun for us. Our team spends months planning along with the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust," said Kannu Sahni, vice president of community affairs with Highmark Health.
And yes, there will be food and activities for children as well.
The event culminates with the Future of Pittsburgh Ball rising to the top of its mast at midnight to symbolize the city's growth and prosperity in the new year. The events and activities start at 6 p.m. More information can be found here.
Police will have strong presence at Pittsburgh First Night
The year is ending, which means the Highmark First Night celebration is set to bring tens of thousands of people to Downtown Pittsburgh on Tuesday night.
In a news conference on Monday, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police said officers will provide a strong presence to keep everyone safe.
"I don't have a crystal ball, but I will say Downtown safety continues to improve," Acting Pittsburgh Police Chief Christopher Ragland said. "And I'm sure that we will have a safe and fun-filled family event."
There has been a spate of random attacks on innocent people in Downtown this year, and police say they're pulling out all stops to keep the public safe on New Year's Eve.
At Monday's news conference, Ragland and staff unveiled a plan calling for a complement of 80 Pittsburgh police who will patrol in uniform and plainclothes, on horseback, and motorcycles.
They'll be joined with additional support from the Allegheny County Police Department, Allegheny County Sheriff's Office, Port Authority Police Department and Point Park University Police Department. Law enforcement also is asking the public to do their part.
"We're hoping it's going to be a good night," Pittsburgh Police Commander Tim Novosel said. "It's a family-friendly event. So, we're asking adults to accompany children and teens to make it an even better event."
The police union has complained of overall shortages, which make staffing special events like First Night a challenge. But Ragland says police will be a proactive and visible presence in Downtown Pittsburgh without sacrificing patrols in the neighborhoods. He says safety should be the furthest thing from the mind of the revelers.
"Have fun," Raglan said.
Rain is in the forecast, but the city and organizers hope that won't limit the crowds or dampen spirits.
