(CBS DETROIT) – Downtown Detroit will get a lot brighter just in time for the Christmas season. The city will host its 21st annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Friday.
“A big part of our focus is making sure it’s not only a great family event for all ages, but a truly safe event,” said Eric Larson, CEO of Downtown Detroit Partnership.
The countdown has begun and the final decorations are being put up. The city expects at least 50,000 people to travel downtown to witness the spectacle.
“You have to be patient because as you can see the streets are closed now, and they will be, so you’re going to park a little ways down the road,” said Wayne County Sheriff Raphael Washington.
Safety is a major priority and more than 100 officers will be on the road. In recent years, city leaders say minors have made a habit of attending, and this year they plan to crack down on parents who don’t supervise their children, even fining them.
“Minors 15 and under. They need supervision at 8 p.m.; if you’re 16 or 17, your supervision starts at 11 p.m.,” said Interim Police Chief Todd Bettison.
This will be the first time Bettision has hosted a major event since becoming interim chief. He says he’s ready, and while there will be a lot of officers downtown, other parts of the city won’t be neglected.
“We are making sure that the neighborhoods are covered and that there are still enough officers around the city so that these attacks are answered. I am not neglecting anything, we have everything under control,” Bettison said.
Campus Martius and all surrounding areas will be packed. At an event of such magnitude. CBS News Detroit learned that DPD, the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office and Michigan State Police worked together to keep the area safe.
“Everyone in law enforcement is short on manpower. It’s important that we come together as one,” Washington said.
Authorities say it is a gun-free zone and metal detectors will check people. By the end of the evening, Downtown Detroit will be lit up with nearly 1 million Christmas lights.
