Where to watch the WEBN fireworks
You won’t be able to watch the Western & Southern/WEBN Fireworks presented by Cincinnati Bell from your couch this year: The 39th annual event won’t be broadcast on local TV.
That means you’ll need to find a place where you can see Sunday’s 9:05 p.m. fireworks show firsthand, if you want to see it at all. You can view the show in full and with the crowd at Riverfest (organizers anticipate record attendance), or try to catch a glimpse of the display from another, presumably less crowded, outdoor setting. Here are some of the best viewing spots so you can plan your attack.
CINCINNATI PARKS WITH VIEWS:
With parks on the riverfront and atop the city’s hills, Cincinnati Parks are some of the best places to watch the explosions in the sky. 513-352-4080; www.cincinnatiparks.com.
Sawyer Point/Yeatman’s Cove: If you want to join the crowd, this is the place to go, as it’s the home of Riverfest. Blankets can be placed on Serpentine Wall after 6 a.m. on Saturday; the event officially opens at noon Sunday. 705 E. Pete Rose Way, Downtown.
Smale Riverfront Park: If you would like to be Downtown on the riverfront but away from the event itself, Smale is an option. The interactive water features are sure to be a hit with kids. West Mehring Way, Downtown.
Eden Park: Try the Spencer overlook, above Krohn Conservatory, or the overlook at Twin Lakes for the best views of Downtown and fireworks that are higher in the sky. Playgrounds, picnic areas and other features are available. 950 Eden Park Drive.
Mount Echo Park: From this high West Side perch, there are good views of the sky over Downtown (though the bend in the river blocks views of most of the ground shells). The park offers picnic areas and playgrounds.381 Elberon Ave., East Price Hill.
Mount Adams Pavilion, 5 p.m.-2:30 a.m. General admission tickets for all 3 decks. Live music by Cherry on Top, 2 DJs on main floor and penthouse. Call for VIP tables. Ages 21 and up. $10. Reservations recommended. 513-744-9200; www.mountadamspavilion.com, 949 Pavilion St., Mount Adams
Bellevue Park: At the end of Ohio Avenue, this park on Bellevue Hill faces slightly west but offers a relatively wide view of the city. It has a picnic area, playground and restrooms. 2191 Ohio Ave., Clifton Heights.
Olden View Park: Located at what was once the top of the Price Hill Incline, this tiny park offers a gorgeous view of Downtown (and the sky above it). 2610 Eighth St. East Price Hill.
Fairview Park: Views of the Cincinnati skyline, Union Terminal and the Ohio River can be found at this park, which should provide a view of anything that’s high in the sky. There are picnic areas, a shelter and playgrounds. 501 W. McMillan St., Clifton Heights.
Take to high ground on the Kentucky side of the river at these viewing spots.
ON THE KENTUCKY SIDE:
Devou Park: The park’s panoramic views of Downtown (and most of the fireworks) attract a crowd. 1344 Audubon Road, Covington. 859-292-2151.
Newport Central Catholic High School: The school takes advantage of its hilltop location to host the annual NCC Family Fireworks Fest, now in its 22nd year. Games, entertainment and family activities will be offered starting at 5 p.m., and food and drinks will be for sale. $3 admission (age 5 and under are free), limited $10 parking passes available in the school office. 13 Carothers Road, Newport. 859-292-0001
Fireworks Party, 7-10 p.m., Community of Faith Presbyterian Church, behind the church. Bring blanket or lawn chair and come watch Riverfest fireworks. Admission and parking are free. Food, drinks and ice cream for purchase. Free. 859-331-3238; www.cofnky.org, 1400 Highland Pike, Fort Wright
ON BOARD:
Make your reservations to see the show by boat or by train. (Note: Trips tend to sell out.)
Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad (LM&M Railroad): The railroad’s WEBN Fireworks Train takes riders to and from the riverfront for the fireworks show. The train, which has some cars that date to the 1930s, departs from Cincinnati Gardens, 2250 Seymour Ave., at 6 p.m. Tickets, $30 plus fees. Children who are under 2 and sitting on a parents’ lap do not need a ticket. 513-933-8022;www.lebanonrr.com
Celebrations Riverfest Cruise: The Celebrations cruise docks at Newport on the Levee, next to The Purple People Bridge, for the show. Boarding is from 4:30-5:15 p.m. at 848 Elm St. in Ludlow, with a return at approximately 11 p.m. All-you-can-eat hors d’oeuvres and a buffet dinner, plus unlimited drinks, are included in the cost. Tickets are $175 per person, plus 6 percent sales tax. 859-581-2600;www.celebrationriverboats.com
Queen City Riverboats: Queen City Riverboats offers cruises with ($89) or without ($59) dinner. A cash bar is offered with both. Boarding begins at 5 p.m., with boats departing at 6 p.m. 303 Dodd Drive, Dayton. 859-292-8687; www.queencityriverboats.com.