AUBURN — Goff Hill will be available for viewing Thursday night’s fireworks, even though police will have fewer officers on duty for the Twin Cities July 4 Liberty Festival.
Police Chief Phil Crowell said police will have one officer closing down Court Street between Lake and Fern streets to traffic at dusk Thursday. That part of Goff Hill, with a commanding view of the downtown, is a popular spot for people to gather and watch the fireworks show.
“We made other changes as to where we are blocking roads and how we’ll cordon off certain areas,” Crowell said. “That way, we’re able to reduce our costs but still make sure we have enough security available to keep things safe.”
Police said last week they would not close the street due to budget cuts. City councilors Monday restored part of that funding, setting aside $20,000 for police department in-kind support for special events. Events include the Liberty Festival, the Great Falls Balloon Festival and the Dempsey Challenge.
Crowell said the department usually schedules nine officers for duty during the event.
This year, the department will schedule six officers on duty, including the four normally scheduled for Thursday night.
“We will have one officer assigned up on top of Goff Hill and another one available for security, who will be able to float wherever needed,” Crowell said.
Residents should not notice the change, Crowell said.
In addition to Court Street at dusk, Great Falls Plaza and Main Street at Festival Plaza will be closed by event crews during the festival.
Where else can you watch fireworks?
Our Google Map shows the locations of where fireworks displays are being launched around the state.
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