Go early. Be ready to wait. And if you’re under 18, don’t go alone.
If you’re headed for Navy Pier to enjoy the Fourth of July, the local alderman has some tips for you.
As always, the pier will be a focal point for Chicago’s Fourth of July celebration, capping it with a 15-minute fireworks show accompanied by a patriotic soundtrack Thursday night.
Security checkpoints will be back in place for the Fourth, according to a newsletter emailed to constituents by local Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd). The newsletter warned “all guests must pass through” those checkpoints to enter Navy Pier.
“Multiple inspection points will [also] be located through Navy Pier and all bags are subject to inspection,” Reilly wrote.
In addition, a so-called “youth escort policy” similar to that at Water Tower Place will be implemented July 3 and July 4, starting at 6 a.m. each day, the alderman said.
“Guests may be asked to present a valid driver’s license, state ID or military ID upon entering all Navy Pier’s facilities or grounds. Guests to Navy Pier under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times,” Reilly wrote.
If Navy Pier attracts more crowds than it can safely handle, the police and fire departments will once again “reserve the right to cut off public admittance,” the alderman said.
“This has occurred in the past and can happen at any time during the day,” Reilly wrote.
“Residents and visitors who have tickets or official reservations at the Pier are encouraged to arrive several hours in advance of the event start time, although they will be allowed entry to Navy Pier grounds if the gates are closed due to crowds reaching capacity.”
Several “traffic safety initiatives” are also planned along Lake Shore Drive, according to Chicago Police.
