PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Highmark’s first night celebration in Pittsburgh will feature plenty of activities for almost everyone, including parades, music and 60,000 pounds of ice cream.
If you’re coming downtown Tuesday for the first night’s festivities, expect street closures in the Cultural District along Penn Avenue from Stanwix Street to 10th Street. Officials advise considering parking on the North Shore or Station Square and using public transportation.
What is the first night in Pittsburgh?
Those who have already attended the celebration say it should not be missed.
“I’ll probably go down, enjoy the lights, enjoy the company, the family, the fun, the food, everything. And have a good time in town,” said McKees Rocks resident Jessica Griffin.
“I like the parade. I think it was (Pittsburgh) CAPA that handed out the little paper babies,” said Jane Kilmer of Brooline.
According to the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, this year’s celebrations will be busy.
“So much. This year we have our outdoor show with local artist Frzy, who so many people love, and I know he’s excited to put on a sold out concert for everyone,” said Brooke Horejsi, representative of the Cultural Trust.
Frzy is one of several artists who will entertain the more than 22,000 people expected downtown Tuesday evening.
“We have fireworks at the beginning and end of the night,” Horejsi said. “And an ice maze.”
Let’s talk about all this ice cream.
“(The maze) contains over 60,000 pounds of ice,” says Richard Bubin, owner of Ice Creations.
Bubin and his assistants carved it into an ice maze that pays homage to the Commonwealth, complete with the state Capitol, a Bantam Jeep, the Gateway Clipper and some notable details from the eastern part of the state.
This is all happening thanks to event sponsor, Highmark Health.
“It’s a lot of fun for us. Our team spends months planning with the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust,” said Kannu Sahni, Highmark Health vice president of community affairs.
And yes, there will also be food and activities for children.
The event culminates with the Future of Pittsburgh Ball being raised to the top of its flagpole at midnight to symbolize the city’s growth and prosperity in the new year. Events and activities start at 6 p.m. More information can be found here.
Police will have a heavy presence at Pittsburgh’s first night
The year is ending, which means Highmark’s first night celebration is expected to bring tens of thousands of people to downtown Pittsburgh on Tuesday night.
In a press conference Monday, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police said agents will ensure a strong presence to ensure everyone’s safety.
“I don’t have a crystal ball, but I will say that safety downtown continues to improve,” said Pittsburgh Acting Police Chief Christopher Ragland. “And I’m confident we’ll have a safe and fun family event.”
There has been a spate of random attacks on innocent people in the city center this year, and police say they are doing everything they can to keep the public safe on New Year’s Eve.
At Monday’s news conference, Ragland and his staff unveiled a plan calling for a complement of 80 Pittsburgh police officers who will patrol in uniform and plainclothes, on horseback and on motorcycles.
They will be joined by additional support from the Allegheny County Police Department, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Port Authority Police Department and Point Park University Police Department. Law enforcement is also asking the public to do their part.
“We hope it’s a good night,” Pittsburgh Police Commander Tim Novosel said. “This is a family event, so we ask adults to accompany children and teenagers to make this event even better.”
The police union has complained of a general shortage, making it difficult to staff special events like First Night. But Ragland says police will provide a proactive, visible presence in downtown Pittsburgh without sacrificing neighborhood patrols. He says safety should be the furthest thing from partygoers’ minds.
“Have fun,” Raglan said.
Rain is forecast, but the city and organizers hope it won’t limit crowds or dampen morale.