Downtown Indy prepares for Fourth Fest fireworks celebration

INDIANAPOLIS — Once again, Indianapolis will celebrate America’s birthday on the Fourth of July with fireworks fired off from the roof of 500 North Meridian at 10 p.m. Friday.

This year’s crowd is expected to top the estimated 23,000 celebrants who have flocked to downtown in recent summers.

Officials expect sunny skies and a high of 91 degrees as families will fan out across the American Legion and Veterans Memorial malls across the street from the launch site.

“Make sure you have a plan,” said Jacob Spence, director of Emergency Management. “Bring some water, have a plan to get into the shade for a time, get out of the sun. just getting into the shade can reduce your body temperature dramatically compared to being in the sun.”

Closure of some downtown streets close to the malls will begin as early as 3 p.m.

”If you come down to the fireworks show this year keep your fireworks at home,” said IFD Fire Marshal Division Chief Michael Beard. “Don’t bring them downtown because we want everyone to be safe.”

During recent weekend nights, downtown has echoed with the sounds of gunfire from Meridian and Washington streets to Monument Circle and the Canal.

IMPD announced the arrests of three teenagers in two separate weekend shooting incidents.

”I can tell you that our officers are very good at staying in tune with that type of behavior and the precursors and our officers are going to be addressing disruptive and violent behavior early and often,” said IMPD Deputy Chief Tanya Terry. ”We have the public safety cameras, we have community partners that allow access to their surveillance systems, we have automated license plate reader technology. I can assure you that if you want to come downtown and perpetuate violence, IMPD will be on your tail and respond with swift action.”

FOX59 will broadcast live coverage of the fireworks celebration Friday at 10 p.m.