Heightened security at Gas Works Park for fireworks show
SEATTLE -- With blankets and coolers in tow, people lined up to be the first inside Gas Works Park when the gates opened at noon Thursday. But before getting inside, they had to clear security.
“We are doing bag searches at both entrances for all the expected things we ask you not to bring. Don’t bring your fireworks, alcohol, drugs, firearms, glass bottles, leave all that at home,” Beth Knox, Seafair CEO and president said.
You also cannot bring pets, BBQ’s or tents. On the other side of the country, there was even tighter security at Boston’s Fourth of July celebration where backpacks and coolers were not allowed and people have to bring all their belongings in clear plastic bags. This event was the original target of Tamerlan and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev -- the two are accused of bombing the Boston Marathon in April.
This year in Seattle, there is increased police presence at Gas Works Park, with uniformed and undercover officers keeping an eye on the crowd.
“We work very closely with Seattle police. They have been tremendous in their oversight and in planning. Already this morning Dennis the bomb squad dog was here doing a sweep,” Knox said.
People we spoke with had mixed feelings on heightened security.
“It’s understandable to have that elevated security especially because of recent events, but you just have to trust the people around you and trust that people are there to make sure you’re safe,” Quela Bruch said.
“I’m happy to be here and I don’t feel unsafe. I’m happy there are police around keeping their eyes open so I don’t have to,” Nicole Hughes said.
Traffic is expected to be heavy around the South Lake Union area Thursday afternoon and evening. Side streets around Gas Works Park will begin to close around 6 p.m. Organizers suggest parking near a pick-up spot for the South Lake Union Streetcar that runs every 10-15 minutes until midnight.
There are bike racks inside Gas Works Park. And you may have heard of the smart phone app Uber -- they are one of the sponsors of this year’s fireworks show and are offering discounted rides.