Barricades and fences are already set up as hundreds of thousands of people are expected to fill the area Monday night for the annual fireworks show.

Watch reports from Megan Lee and Carli Petrus below Your guide to the 2026 Ford Fireworks: Parking, viewing areas and more Downtown prepares for 2026 Ford Fireworks, large crowds anticipated

Detroit City Council approved an ordinance this week extending the city's curfew for minors during the fireworks. The curfew is now from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Previously, the curfew started at 10 p.m.

The change comes after several weeks of so-called "teen takeovers" and violence. Last year, a 17-year-old boy and a 22-year-old woman were shot as the annual fireworks were going off.

Minors must be with their parent or a guardian after 8 p.m. if they choose to watch the fireworks within the curfew boundary. Parents of children found in violation would face a $250 fine.

Alton Ross, a retired Detroit firefighter who spent years bringing his daughters to the summertime tradition, said the city is prepared for the large crowd.

"They look forward to it, they know it's a big event, and DFD is always ready," Ross said.

Ross said he understands the reasoning behind the updated curfew.

"They shouldn't be down here running around to do whatever they want to do. I think that's the real reason for the curfew and people are looking at it different ways," Ross said.

He added that the responsibility ultimately falls on families.

"We want the parents to be responsible for your kids, that's it," Ross said.

Jarren Grabke is excited to bring his young daughter to the show for the first time.

"I mean I had a curfew. I came home when the lights came on, time to go home," Grabke said.

"Seeing everything through her eyes for the first time, brings back my own memories," Grabke said.

If you are planning to attend, the city says to arrive early, as sections of Woodward will be closed and spots like Hart Plaza will be packed.

Gilbert Nesbitt, general manager of Experience ZUZU, an Asian fusion restaurant just a short distance from Hart Plaza, said his team is ready for the rush.

"We expect an early crowd for people to get positioning for the fireworks," Nesbitt said.

"Our patio is open and ready to rock for the fireworks," Nesbitt said.

Nesbitt said the restaurant is bringing in additional staff to handle the increased demand.

"We are going to schedule heavier than a normal Monday. Anticipating heavy traffic and I want to be able to serve as many guests in that time frame," Nesbitt said.

Click here for all of the details on how to prepare for the fireworks.

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Northville Township police partnered with a local church to provide de-escalation and emergency response training Wednesday night.

This comes after two incidents that shocked Michigan faith communities within the last year.

Watch Megan Lee's video report below: Northville Township police train Ward Church security team on active threat response

Members of the Ward Church security team trained alongside Northville Township Police Department Officer Andrew Domzalski, who walked them through training in case there is ever an active threat at their place of worship.

"Providing them with the training is one of the best things we can possibly do. Knowledge is power, but understanding what to do in these situations is key," Domzalski said.

"Our focus at Northville Township is to be proactive, not reactive," Domzalski said.

The security team from the Presbyterian church on 6 Mile Road used MILO a use of force and de-escalation scenario-based simulator typically used by law enforcement. The simulator forced the security team to make critical decisions during high-stress conditions.

Mark Adams, director of the safety team at Ward Church, said the training gives his team a chance to prepare for real-world situations.

"It's one that goes through and helps us see scenarios that could possibly occur but practice in a safe environment," Adams said.

The training is especially relevant after the shooting at a Grand Blanc church in September and the Temple Israel attack just a few months ago.

"The world is changing and I think with the way things are going today that houses of worship do need to consider having safety teams," Adams said.

Domzalski said law enforcement has a responsibility to engage with faith communities.

"If you're not working with your places of worship as far as law enforcement goes, you're doing a huge disservice to the community," Domzalski said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.