COLUMBUS, Ohio – Tens of thousands of central Ohioans will crowd the Scioto riverfront and downtown parks Thursday to witness what is billed as the Midwest’s largest fireworks display.
EXTRA: Red, White & Boom! Street closings
Spectators will begin choosing their spots on the grass and sidewalks early in the morning for Red, White & Boom, which annually draws crowds of as many as 500,000 people.
Activities include carnival games and inflatables for kids and the AEP Independence Day Parade, presented by the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Central Ohio Ford Dealers, at 6:00 p.m.
Parking restrictions will be in place on numerous downtown streets before, during and immediately after the event. Most parking restrictions will go into effect at 6:00 a.m. on Thursday to allow access to restaurants and businesses on Wednesday, city officials said.
During the hours of parking restrictions, parking meters will be bagged and temporary No Parking signs will be posted where no meters exist, according to the Department of Public Safety.