Final Preparations Being Made For Independence Day Celebrations Around Area

CANONSBURG (KDKA) - Tomorrow is Independence Day and there will be plenty of celebrations around the area to mark the holiday.

In Canonsburg, they're already setting up their chairs for the Fourth of July parade.

"The Canonsburg Fourth of July parade has been recognized as the second largest parade in Pennsylvania," Mayor David Rhome said, "and we are very proud of that because of the work the founders have done all the way from 55 years ago to where we're at today."

More than 60,000 people are expected to show up for the parade, and seating can be tough.

That's why hundreds have already put out their chairs in preparation.

"The chairs, some years ago, just started by someone placing a chair to reserve their seat for the festivities that are gonna be happening about 24 hours from now," Rhome said, "and they wanted the best seat in the house. And low and behold, we grew something that became a parade of chairs all the way through Canonsburg to a tune of about a 2 and a half mile stretch."

Watch Ralph Iannotti's report --

"As you can see, everybody pulls their chairs out," Canonsburg resident Kelli Hall said, "and they say you're not allowed to pull out your chairs until 48 prior [to the parade], and I'll tell you what… 10 a.m. yesterday, everybody was out here with their chairs, pulling their chairs out. They were ready."

Residents can't wait to get out and celebrate the Fourth of July.

In Downtown Pittsburgh, an estimated 50,000 people will attend the annual EQT Flashes of Freedom Fourth of July fireworks show.

"We will have 200,000 to 400,000 folks in what we call the bowl -- that's Mt. Washington, the West End overlook, the North Shore, Point State Park and Station Square," Three Rivers Regatta chairman John Bonassi said.

It's all on Indiana County-based Starfire to deliver the 25-minute fireworks display at 9:35 p.m. Tuesday.

There will also be a tribute to the Penguins back-to-back Stanley Cups.

Of course, all this follows a full day of activities around Heinz Field and in Point State Park, including the kinds of food you depend on for the Fourth.

There will also be country music on the Gate A stage from 5 p.m. until the fireworks start.

There are plenty of activities for the kids, as well.

"We have face painting, balloon artists, gemstone mining," Derek Weber, president of Lionheart Productions, said. "We have interactive activities and some make-and-takes that are going to be there also."

Security will be tight for the events, and throughout downtown, wooden barriers will be replaced by Public Works heavy trucks. Bag checks are back at Point State Park with metal detectors on standby.

Watch Kym Gable's report --

"If something happens between now and then, or during the event, we will have the wands and the mags available to us if we need it," Pittsburgh Public Safety director Wendell Hissrich said.

Regarding parking, lots one and two on the North Shore will open at 11 a.m., and folks are welcome to tailgate. Those lots are $10.

If you park in the city, the two lots closest to the Point will be $7 for the day, while the rest of the Pittsburgh Parking Authority garages will be $5.

Because there are going to be so many people looking for a good spot to view the fireworks, some roads will be closed.

More Fireworks Listings:

• Allegheny County: http://cbsloc.al/2sjuZKe
• Beaver & Butler Counties: http://cbsloc.al/2t51Hk4
• Fayette & Green Counties: http://cbsloc.al/2sVb5Ii
• Washington County: http://cbsloc.al/2unyKz1
• Armstrong, Indiana and Westmoreland Counties: http://cbsloc.al/2sVtxkl

At 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, drivers heading up Mount Washington on McArdle Roadway will not be allowed to turn left onto Grandview Avenue.

Northbound traffic on Merrimac Street will also be blocked.

At 7 p.m., Sycamore Street between Arlington Avenue and Wyoming Street will be closed.

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