CINCINNATI -- People poured onto the banks of the Ohio River hours ahead of the annual Western & Southern/WEBN Fireworks Sunday.
About 500,000 people are expected on the Kentucky and Ohio side of the river for the end of summer celebration.
Some arrivedas early as 2:30 p.m. Saturday to reserve the best seats.
RELATED: What to know before you go to Riverfest 2017
WATCH GUIDE: These parties offer prime views of firework show
John Adkins has been coming to the firework show for 30 years. He said a lot has changed over the years.
"When they first started it you could bring your coolers and everything,” Adkins said. “Now they don't allow alcohol so it's a lot better … the crowd is a lot calmer, no bottles laying everywhere, less fights."
Police said they’re increasing patrol along the riverside this year -- three people were shot on the riverfront after last year’s show.
Police will also regulate the closures of bridges and streets before the fireworks.
Several bridges closed at 6 p.m. Sunday.
Access to the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge (I-471) from Ohio will close at 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Pedestrians may cross on the west side of the Taylor-Southgate Bridge until 7:30 p.m.
Several streets in Cincinnati, Covington and Newportwill close ahead of the show.
