Everything to know about the 2022 Western & Southern WEBN Fireworks
Every Labor Day weekend, hundreds of thousands of people descend to the banks of the Ohio River to watch the biggest fireworks show of the year.
Riverfest, and the Western & Southern WEBN Fireworks, will return this year for the annual end-of-summer bash. As always, Riverfest will be an all-day affair with music, food, entertainment and other family fun, concluding with the 30-minute Rozzi Fireworks show on both sides of the Ohio River and accompanying soundtrack from WEBN. The show will also be broadcast on WKRC Local 12.
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Whether you're planning to venture to the riverbanks or you're watching the show from the comfort of your home, here's everything you need to know about Riverfest and the Western & Southern WEBN Fireworks.
When is Riverfest?
The annual celebration will be on Sunday, Sept. 4, taking place at Sawyer Point Park and Yeatman's Cove starting at noon. Even if it rains, the festival aims to still go on.
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Tarp setup can begin at noon on Sunday, Sept. 4, and anything placed before that time will be removed and destroyed, according to WEBN's frequently asked questions page. Tarps and blankets can only be placed with painter's tape, gaffer tape or masking tape. They cannot be secured with duct tape, rocks, bricks or sand.
WEBN asks that you be considerate of others and only reserve a "reasonable amount of space."
When will the fireworks start?
Fireworks will kick off at 9 p.m. and last for 30 minutes.
The Rozzi Fireworks show is hosted by the cities of Cincinnati, Covington, Newport and Bellevue. The choreographed show, with accompanying music, will also be broadcast live on WEBN and Local 12.
For river closure and opening announcements, listen to Marine Channel 16 and 22A VHF-FM.
Are boats allowed to tie up this year?
The current extended weather forecast from the National Weather Service does not present any high river levels or restrictions for boats to be on the Ohio River as it briefly did last year, U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Nicholas Olmstead said.
The Coast Guard will continue to monitor the river level in coordination with the National Weather Service and make any decisions based on that forecast.
As of last week, the Ohio River level at Cincinnati was recorded at 26.8 feet, well below the flood stage of 52 feet. It is expected to remain around the 26-feet level over the next few days, according to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration's records.
Where to watch the WEBN Fireworks in Ohio
In Ohio, the main place is at Sawyer Point Park and Yeatman's Cove.
No oversized bags, luggage and backpacks are permitted inside the venues, and only purses, diaper bags and other small personal bags will be allowed after an inspection.
The following items are prohibited:
Weapons including but not limited to: knives, explosives, stun guns, handcuffs, brass knuckles, sticks, clubs, batons, martial arts instruments, pepper spray, tear gas, etc. People found in possession of those items will be asked to remove the items from the park or dispose of them.
Outside food and beverage, but empty plastic reusable bottles are permitted.
Alcohol.
Illegal drugs.
Cans, glass or metal containers.
Animals/pets, except for service animals.
Aerosol cans.
Balloons, beach balls or other inflatable items.
Fireworks or incendiary devices of any kind.
Musical instruments.
Noise-making devices, including whistles and air horns.
Skateboards, rollerblades and bicycles.
Tools.
Pamphlets, flyers and handbills, unless approved by management.
Any other items deemed inappropriate or unacceptable by management.
Other areas on the Ohio side we've heard good things about for fireworks viewing:
Mount Echo Park, 381 Elberon Ave., East Price Hill.
Bellevue Park, 2191 Ohio Ave., Clifton Heights.
Olden View Park, 2610 Eighth St., East Price Hill.
Fairview Park, 501 W. McMillan St., Clifton Heights.
Dining out:Looking for a date night with a view of Cincinnati? Look no further.
Where to watch the WEBN Fireworks in Kentucky
Newport
If you plan to cross the river to watch the show, go early. The Purple People Bridge will close at 5 p.m. and the Taylor Southgate Bridge will close to vehicles at 6 p.m. and pedestrians at 7:30 p.m. There will be live entertainment at Riverboat Row from noon-10 p.m.
Newport on the Levee will offer a number of events and activities on the gallery, plaza, lawn and valet loop from noon to 9 p.m.
The Campbell County Sheriff's Office has the full list of road closures and rules at campbellcountysheriffky.org/riverfest-2022
Covington
For a good view of the fireworks, try the overlook at Devou Park or the Covington riverfront, close to the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge.
Bellevue
Buckhead Mountain Grill in Bellevue is hosting a fireworks watch party from 4:30-10 p.m. $100 tickets include appetizers, dinner and dessert, non-alcoholic beverages, live music and free parking. For tickets, call the restaurant at 859-491-7333 or email dmulberry@buckheadmanagement.com.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Riverfest, WEBN Fireworks 2022: What you need to know before you go
