Rain in Pittsburgh doesn't stop 4th of July celebration at Point State Park

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Tens of thousands of people were in Pittsburgh on Thursday at Point State Park for the city's Fourth of July celebration.

Everyone who came to town for the fireworks and fun had to battle the elements, as rain sent people running for cover about 30 minutes before the fireworks. The rain delayed the fireworks from 9:35 p.m. until 9:40 p.m., but everything ran smoothly after the delay.

With all the people coming to the city, leaders wanted to keep people safe . Before the fireworks lit up the night sky, people went through security checkpoints and bag checks around Point State Park.

"We will be using a walk-through system instead of wandering. We will also have canine units to ensure people don't have fireworks or weapons," Pittsburgh Public Safety Director Lee Schmidt said on Wednesday.

Beginning early on Thursday, boaters hit the water and people began flocking to Point State Park to enjoy all the festivities. Some people picked out their spot for the fireworks show hours ahead of time.

"We get to see the stadium right in front of us, there's the Science Center right in front of us, right behind us is the fountain, fireworks in the front," said Linda Pepley of Johnstown. "Can't ask for anything better."

There was music, games and food for the people who did show up early to secure their spot. Shafik Ullam enjoyed his first Fourth of July since moving here from Afghanistan two months ago.

"In my whole life, this is the first time I am very happy because our life was not good in Afghanistan," Ullam said.

Earlier on Wednesday, there was a ceremony at Point State Park for the raising of Old Glory.