Detroit — A fireworks tradition of nearly seven decades brought crowds and a festive mood to downtown Detroit to await the moment when the darkened skies would erupt with color.
As the 68th annual Ford Fireworks drew near on Monday, thousands of spectators gathered along the Detroit River, staking out spots hours in advance for one of the city’s most cherished traditions.
Ron Young relaxed in a lawn chair as his three grandchildren ran around Hart Plaza, having arrived around 11 a.m. Young has attended the show for years, arriving early in a battle for the best spot.
“It’s the greatest show on earth,” said Young of Detroit. “It feels like the fireworks are falling on top of you.”
Around Young’s family, a mixture of laughter, conversation and music filled the air as teens tossed a ball; friends ate together; and children danced, popped bubbles and ran through the plaza’s fountain.
Across the river, Canada’s flag fluttered in the wind, highlighting the close connection between the two countries even as the Gordie Howe bridge’s opening faces delays.
The festive atmosphere reflected the event’s enduring appeal. The Ford Fireworks have long drawn large, enthusiastic crowds, but this year there was added significance. As the nation approaches its 250th birthday, there has been increased demand for all things American. Patriotic colors dotted the crowd, with vendor tents and spectators decked out in U.S. swag and colors.
For many attendees, the day was about more than the fireworks. At 2 p.m., designated viewing areas at Hart Plaza, Spirit Plaza and Belle Isle opened up, filling with people. Families unfolded lawn chairs, groups gathered beneath trees and children played games as crowds settled in for the wait.
The settling in required planning. Many arrived towing wagons filled with essentials. “We have friends coming down and family,” said Shawn O’Neil of Macomb Township. “So we brought six chairs, we have two air mattresses, a cooler full of stuff to drink, fresh fruit and more.”
While some attendees traveled only a few miles, others crossed borders or boarded flights.
Malik Blair rode an hour and a half with his family from Ontario for the show. Blair was not only looking forward to seeing the night sky light up, but to play with his family and eat.
“I’m excited for watching the fireworks and snacks and stuff,” said Malik, 9.
Former Detroiter Robert Glass came even farther. He flew in from Jamaica, bringing his wife and 3-year-old grandchild to see the display that shaped his youth.
“The fireworks themselves are great,” Glass said. “They are spectacular and it’s something my family here has never seen in their lives.”
The event serves as a showcase for local businesses. Vendors sold food, including desserts, and light-up swords and necklaces. For Saiwana Hayes, bringing her soul food truck from Mookey’s Beans and Greens, was the fulfillment of a longtime goal: “I’ve always attended the fireworks with my family and always imagined my food truck at the event.”
Hayes was not the only one with a personal connection to the fireworks.
“I used to go every year with my family, but then my mom died,” Michael Garns said. “It was something we did together, and now I want my kids to experience it as well. It’s a nice way to get the family together.”
The show, themed “Detroit! Go for Launch,” is produced by The Parade Company and has consistently ranked among USA Today’s top firework shows
“They’re right in your face,” said Mary Nixon who came with her son. “When they’re far away they don’t look as big but here there’s the sound and you just feel like you’re right there. They are huge. It’s impressive.”
atisch@detroitnews.com
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Detroit Ford Fireworks has folks setting up for primetime viewing
Reporting by Alyssa Tisch and Aniah Thomas, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Alyssa Tisch and Aniah Thomas, The Detroit News | USA TODAY Network
