North Kentucky News

Large crowds are expected to gather at the riverfront and other viewing spots around Covington for the 48th annual Labor Day weekend fireworks on Sunday, Sept. 1. To ensure safety and orderly traffic flow, the City and its Police Department have implemented familiar restrictions.

The rules address road closures, parking, alcohol, skateboards, motorized scooters, and glass containers. These regulations apply in Devou Park and the downtown Riverfest Impact Area—north of East Fourth Street between the Licking River and Madison Avenue, with a contiguous section from Madison to Johnson Street along West Rivercenter Boulevard.

Police Chief Brian Valenti highlighted the scale of the event: "Riverfest brings thousands of people to the riverfront and other locations with a view of the river," Valenti said. "We ask for everyone’s patience as they navigate the pedestrian-filled roadways. Our goal is to have a fun and safe event so patrons can return for years to come."

The Covington Police Command Center for the Western & Southern/WEBN Fireworks will be located at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center at Madison Avenue and Rivercenter Boulevard. To assist people with disabilities accessing the Impact Area, police will provide a cart and driver on-site. Those needing this service should contact the Command Center at (859) 760-7018 upon arrival.

The fireworks display starts at 9 p.m., with further information available through Western & Southern/WEBN Fireworks.

Covington road closures for Sunday, Sept. 1 include:

- All streets north of East Fourth Street from Madison Avenue to the Licking River will close to vehicular traffic at 6 p.m.

- The Roebling Suspension Bridge will close at 6 p.m. to both vehicles and pedestrians.

- The Clay Wade Bailey Bridge will close to vehicles at 6 p.m. and pedestrians at 8 p.m.

- The Fourth Street Bridge to Newport will close at 8 p.m.

- Madison Avenue will remain open until public parking lots are full or until 6 p.m., whichever occurs first.

- Access to Devou Park, Kenton Hills, and The Bluffs will be restricted beginning at 2 p.m. to residents and their guests only.

Streets within the Impact Area will not reopen until pedestrians have cleared out safely after the fireworks display ends around 9:30 p.m.

Parking restrictions include designated "No Parking, Tow Away Zones" starting from 7 a.m. Sunday in various areas such as Riverside Drive, Rivercenter Boulevard, Garrard Street between East Second Street and Riverside Drive, among others.

Alcohol is prohibited on City property and in public places at all times during Riverfest. All coolers and beverage containers are subject to inspection at designated checkpoints. Other prohibitions include glass containers, bicycles, skateboards, pets, roller blades, roller skates, fireworks, motorized scooters (such as Lime or Bird), swimming in both rivers during Riverfest, mooring along Covington's shoreline without Special Event Permits issued by the City.

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