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The annual Ford Fireworks along the Detroit River are set for Monday night at 9:48 p.m.
The Detroit News spoke to Patrick Brault, 50, who the paper calls the "maestro" of fireworks. He has been creating fireworks magic in the skies in the world’s largest cities and at events for more than 30 years, writes Leonard M. Fleming:
His imagination seems nothing short of brilliant, as Brault revealed that the 58th annual Ford Fireworks will have a faster pace with 1,000 more fireworks and more “raw, brighter colors” than in previous years to fit into the 24-minute show.
“I asked if I could do a little bit more this year and they said yes,” said Brault, a Montreal native. “People like more. The soundtrack is very upbeat and fast-moving. It fits with the music. Sometimes you want a real high impact so you want really bright colors to go with the high impact. It’s all a question of design.”
Jim Schaefer of the Detroit Free Press writes that the best places to watch the event: Hart Plaza and Belle Isle.
Here's a sampling of the rules"
Hart Plaza:
- 2 p.m. Remember it. When the clock strikes 2, that's when you can enter the plaza and start setting up your lawn chairs and blankets and whatnot.
- Tents are prohibited. This isn't a campout.
- The plaza will close when officials deem it to be at "desired capacity," whatever that means. If you leave the plaza, tough luck. No re-admittance if it fills up.
Belle Isle:
- Closed till 2, then you can drive onto the island. Vehicles must have the Recreation Passport (license plate tab thingie). You can buy one on the island for 11 clams.
- Maximum of 3,000 vehicles allowed on the island. That seems like an awful lot.
- At 5 p.m., people on bikes and on foot are permitted on the island.
- Again, no alcohol. How many times do we have to say it?
Read more here.
