Navy Pier hosted several big hits, including one at its giant rooftop bar and restaurant called “OffShore.”
“About 1,000 people are expected on OffShore,” said Payal Patel, a spokesman for Navy Pier. “They’re planning a really fantastic celebration. I mean the views from OffShore are unmatched.”
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Navy Pier also fired off 2019 with its annual fireworks at midnight.
The staff increased along with several layers of police and private security for the celebration.
“Upon arrival at the entry point at the Marina pier there will be a security checkpoint where there will be luggage control and ambulation, so be prepared for an inspection,” Payal said.
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At Navy Pier, there was a youth escort policy, so anyone 18 years of age or younger needed to be accompanied by an adult.
The Chicago police department says it deployed an additional 1,300 officers on the street for Tuesday’s festivities.
Officers went on foot, by bicycle and on horseback. The canine units were located at the city’s CTA stations.
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“We will also have plainclothes officers at events that shuffle through the crowds in a discreet manner to monitor public meetings,” said Chief of Police Fred Waller of the Chicago Police Department.
Many of the specialized units will be part of a team of 300 additional officers who will be deployed specifically for the planned pyrotechnics for the Chicago River from Wolf Point, near the Franklin / Orleans Bridge, east of Columbus Drive. A fireworks show at Navy Pier will also feature additional officers dedicated to this.
The Chicago Riverwalk will close at 10pm on Tuesday and no fireworks display will be allowed on the Riverwalk.
As of 4 p.m., sidewalks were closed on one side of each of the following bridges: Franklin / Orleans Street Bridge (west sidewalk), LaSalle Street Bridge (east sidewalk), Clark Street Bridge (east sidewalk) ), Dearborn Street Bridge (east sidewalk)), and State Street Bridge (east sidewalk). The bridges were completely closed as of 11 p.m., and the eastbound Wacker Drive highway will be closed to vehicular traffic to allow for the display of fireworks. Streets were later reopened Wednesday morning.
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Officials encourage anyone who sees something suspicious or insecure to call 911 without hesitation.
“The City of Chicago has worked with the organizers of the Chicago River and Navy Pier fireworks to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for residents and spectators,” said Rich Guidice, Executive Director of the OEMC. “As always, we will work with our public safety partners to monitor city-wide conditions and make adjustments if necessary.”
FAMILIES ARE THE NEW MAIN YEAR IN CHILDREN’S FRIENDLY EVENTS
For parents who wanted to ring in the new year but knew they would not arrive at midnight, there were several parties where families could celebrate together in style.
There was a countdown to the noon celebration and a bubble hit at the DuPage Children’s Museum in Naperville.
“It’s become a tradition in our family because this is really a place to be. It’s a lot of fun,” said Carolyn Collins, who attended the event with her daughter and grandson, Edison.
The event suitable for children reaches its 18th edition and includes practical exhibitions, special activities, live musical performances and much more.
At the Chicago Children’s Museum at Navy Pier, families prepared to send 2019 in style with the celebration of New Year’s Eve. The children created custom wreaths, designed festive noises and enjoyed a dance party.
And, just like last year, Brookfield Zoo will ring in 2021 with the celebration of the zoo’s New Year’s Eve. A DJ will set the tone for the party with fun and games before the confetti countdown welcomes the New Year.
Hothouse in Edgewater will host a Morning New Year’s Eve “Peace Concert” at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., Time Out Market Chicago will host its first New Year’s Eve party. Lincoln Park Zoo will host a “Zoo New Year’s Eve” event from 9pm to 1am
And don’t forget to tune in to Chicago’s countdown. It’s an ABC7 New Year’s tradition that takes you to the city’s biggest festivals and suburbs. The fun begins at 11:08 p.m.
CTA, METRA THAT OFFERS FREE New Year’s Eve Travel
CTA and Metra offer free travel to help you get home after your New Year’s Eve celebrations.
CTA trips are free by bus and train, from 22:00 to 4:00 on New Year’s Day.
For the first time in its history, Metra offers free trips after 6pm on Tuesday nights. This applies to all trains arriving in or departing from downtown Chicago.
Regardless of where you celebrate, Illinois state police say they are on the lookout for drunk drivers.
“If you drank any amount of alcohol, don’t drive,” said Lt. Col. David Byrd, an Illinois state police officer.
Meanwhile, the New Year will bring recreational marijuana sales to Illinois. Now dispensaries make sure they have plenty of supply on hand and are ready for many customers.
State police said the legalization of recreational marijuana on Jan. 1, its sobriety test for both cannabis and alcohol will remain the same.
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