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Detroit Tree Lighting: Police prepared to keep event safe
Detroit police are ready for the huge crowds expected to fill downtown for Friday's annual tree lighting. Extra officers will be on site, along with metal detectors. Also, no minors without supervision will be allowed.
DETROIT (FOX 2) - With at least 50,000 people expected to flock downtown Friday night, safeguards are in place for the Detroit Tree Lighting, as police work to keep the event safe.
Attendees of the annual event will be required to go through metal detectors when entering Campus Martius Park. Police will be looking for weapons, which are not allowed inside the event.
Drones and pets are also banned. See a full list of prohibited items below.
Additionally, all minors must be with a guardian.
Detroit Tree Lighting, Wild Lights, Wayne Co. Lightfest, and more things to do this weekend in Metro Detroit
The colder weather has arrived, and with it, holiday events are getting underway across Metro Detroit. Here's what's going on this weekend:
Last year's event went off without a hitch, but the year before, two teen boys were shot less than a block away from Campus Martius, where the tree lighting was taking place.
"I'm asking parents to make sure that you don't just drop your kids off and that you actually come down, enjoy the festivities, and supervise them," said Detroit Interim Chief Todd Bettison.
Unsupervised teenagers are a concern for police, and they are hoping the rule that they are supervised prevents any issues that could arise.
Items not allowed at Detroit Tree Lighting
- Weapons / firearms / knives / bats / clubs
- Mace / pepper spray
- Laser pointers / any similar devices
- Fireworks / smoke bombs
- Audio / visual recording devices (go-pro, etc.)
- Missile-like objects that can be thrown
- Backpacks / hard-sided bags
- Aerosol cans / liquids over 4 ounces
- Illegal substances
- Any form of marijuana
- Pets
- Drones
- Skateboards / hoverboards
- Whistles / horns
- Banners / flags / offensive signs
- Frisbees / beach balls / balloons
- Chairs
- Poles / selfie sticks / monopods / tripods
- Professional / commercial cameras
- Cameras with detachable lenses / lenses longer than four inches
- Outside food / beverage
- Clothing / garments displaying explicit, profane or derogatory characterization
- Any / other items deemed to be dangerous by park security and facility management
- Any item determined by the venue
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