PORTLAND — The city is expecting as many as 50,000 people to attend the annual July 4 fireworks show on the Eastern Promenade this weekend.
Grucci’s of New York, the same fireworks company that put on fireworks shows at the Beijing, Athens and Salt Lake City Olympics, is planning a 20-minute show.
In conjunction with the fireworks display, performers and vendors with food and souvenirs plan to set up along the promenade.
Several streets and parking areas on Munjoy Hill will have restricted parking Saturday: Eastern Promenade from Vesper Street to Washington Avenue; Fort Allen Park; Walnut Street; Mountfort Street; and Cutter Street. The upper and middle parking lots on Cutter Street will also be closed to the public. Handicapped parking will be available on Cutter Street, but those expecting to take advantage of such parking must arrive before 8 p.m. to be allowed through the barriers.
The Portland Trail at the bottom of Cutter Street to the Portland Water District will be closed beginning at 7 a.m. July 4.
The public boat launch will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., although parking for boaters will not be available at the launch. Launch fees are $5 for residents and $10 for non-residents.
The show is expected to begin shortly after 9 p.m. Saturday. Vending and entertainment starts at noon and Munjoy Hill will be closed to traffic from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The city recommends Back Cove Trail and the ferry terminal on Peaks Island as good viewing alternatives to the Eastern Prom.
In case of rain (what are the chances of that?), the fireworks show will be held Sunday, July 5.
Kate Bucklin can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 106 or kbucklin@theforecaster.net.
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