Over 500,000 people are expected to descend on Traverse City this weekend. To help ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday, here are several important local ordinances and tips to keep in mind while out celebrating. Have a great Fourth of July weekend!

* Animals, fires, and glass containers are prohibited at all city beaches. In parks and public spaces, animals must be on a leash.
* Alcohol is banned at Clinch Park beach. However, alcohol is allowed in non-glass containers starting from the west end of the Open Space to M-72 in beach and park areas.
* The Traverse City Police Department and Michigan State Police will be patrolling West End beach. Undercover operations will focus on minors in possession of alcohol and enforcement of noise and public disorderly ordinances. The area around the volleyball nets will be under camera surveillance.
* Jumping and diving from bridges is prohibited in the city.
* No boats are allowed on shore within 50 feet of any swim area. Clinch Park east to the Boardman River is a no-wake zone. Boaters must be 1,000 feet or more from fireworks barges.
* Boaters are required to adhere to Coast Guard life jacket regulations on the Boardman River and West and East Grand Traverse Bay. The TCPD and other area agencies will be monitoring boat activity in West Grand Traverse Bay over the weekend.
* Fireworks are prohibited in city parks.
* It is legal in Traverse City for fireworks to be set off the day before, the day of, and the day after a national holiday from 8am-1am.
* Floating lanterns are prohibited within city limits for the safety of air traffic.
* Union Street Dam is a low-head dam. Please abide by the posted warnings and stay away from the area while on tubes, kayaks, canoes, etc.