Fireworks anxiety runs deep
Organizers in Detroit push family friendly events, Eminem show to overcome bad image.
Dujuan Ramsey sets up fireworks on the Detroit River. A new family event features music, rock climbing and puppet shows.
Detroit's fireworks
Will safety concerns keep you from attending Wednesday's annual Freedom Festival fireworks in Detroit?
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Celebrity book readings, mobile cameras and a special performance by Eminem; never have organizers of the 47th Detroit-Windsor International Freedom Festival Fireworks worked so hard to overcome perceived safety concerns.
Organizers say they have done all they can to squelch lingering concerns about the shooting of nine people at Hart Plaza during last year's fireworks. Their efforts were exacerbated by Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick's threat last month to cancel the event because he feared police officers, hundreds of them about to lose their jobs because of the city's budget problems, would call in sick.
Earlene Tinsley, 75, of Detroit says the shooting has prompted her family -- including two children and one granddaughter -- to stay away for good.
"Now it's a safety threat to be down there," Tinsley said. "You could be in the line of fire or something to that effect."
Debbie Dingell, chairwoman of the fireworks show, is sending out a personal plea not to let politics or fear distract the community from a time-honored tradition.
"If people stay away because they're afraid or turned off, then they're letting others win. We need to make the fireworks part of the revitalization (of Detroit)," Dingell said.
Police are adopting extra security measures like mobile cameras and extra lighting.
The event coincides with a Detroit Tigers game, and Police Chief Ella Bully-Cummings says the Police Department will deploy a larger force than last year's 1,300 officers. The Wayne County Sheriff's Office and the Michigan State Police will assist.
For some area residents, even some who plan to attend, the precautions haven't eased anxieties.
"I'm concerned a little bit," said Warren resident Sarah Elizabeth Beauregard, 17, who saw the shootings from 10 feet away last year but still plans to attend this year's show with friends. "If there aren't enough police officers there, I'm not sure what will happen."
Lidia Kelley, 35, of Warren said she has never been to the fireworks but would be concerned about going now. "Safety would be on my mind," she said.
Dennis Klein, 47, of Farmington Hills said the threat of violence has kept him away from the fireworks display for three decades. He plans to watch on television.
"It's too dangerous down there," he said. "The shooting was bound to happen."
Sonia Bassin of Royal Oak has three young children and said she wouldn't feel safe taking them to the riverfront. "It's not worth going downtown," she said. "There are safer places to go for fireworks."
The city's budget battle earlier this month prompted Kilpatrick to suggest the fireworks would have to be canceled. Days later, he said the fireworks will go on as he postponed any layoffs until after the July 12 Major League Baseball All-Star game.
It's not clear if organizers of the Rockin' the Rooftop Fireworks Party will fully recover. Sales of $175 tickets for a fireworks viewing party have improved after organizers say they sold only a few hundred of the usual 2,300. About 210 tickets remained Monday.
The Parade Company, which puts on the annual Thanksgiving Day Parade, is focusing on a new family entertainment event. The Rhythms and Rhymes from the Hart will begin at noon and feature music, celebrity book readings, rock climbing, face painting and puppet shows. The event is free.
Bully-Cummings has said extra cameras and lights will be installed at Hart Plaza. Homeland Security officers will carry mobile cameras that will also be used for events like the All-Star game and Super Bowl.
Jennifer Rinne, 35, of Hazel Park won't attend this year, but has in the past and said she wouldn't hesitate to go in the future.
"It's silly to be afraid of life," she said. "People just get too caught up in that stuff. Detroit's just like every other city in America."
Jennifer James, manager of Fashion Council in the Renaissance Center, said she was one of 1,500 people who snagged a wristband handed out by General Motors Corp. to watch the fireworks show from the renovated riverfront area.
"Typically, we might set up in Hart Plaza. This time, we're going to be able to relax, have dinner, and head over to the plaza," James said.
James said concerns about safety are overstated. "Being a born and bred Detroiter, a lot of things are just people's perception of us," she said.
RenCen officials say tenants and workers picked up all of the wristbands within hours. The wristbands allow people onto the riverfront area, where they will get a good view of the show. The building management is coordinating with the Police Department on security issues, said GM spokesman John McDonald.
"It's safe to say we're going to have a wonderful celebration," said Joan LeMahieu, president of the Parade Company.
You can reach Judy Lin at (313) 222-2072 or jlin@detnews.com.
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