By Scott Taylor,Staff Writer

Try as they might, not everyone can fit on the Longley Bridge.

It’s a favorite spot to stand, necks craned skyward, and watch Liberty Festival fireworks.

Directly across from the launching pad at the Great Falls, the bridge is prime viewing space. The plazas and parks on both sides of the bridge are just as good. But police will start closing the downtown at 3 p.m. Tuesday, in anticipation of crowds.

Lt. Michael McGonagle said the downtown will be closed to car traffic from Court and Main streets in Auburn to Main and Canal streets in Lewiston.

There are other places outside of downtown, however. The stores, restaurants and parking lots along Center Street in Auburn offer great views of the fireworks, for example.

Kathie Black, general manager at the Center Street Wendy’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers, said her store’s parking lot is a favorite among fireworks watchers.

“People have been doing it for years,” she said. “They just know it’s a great place to see everything. Then, they come in afterwards and buy drinks.”

Pat’s Pizza, a few blocks closer to the falls on Center Street, has a similar reputation. Manager David Dischop said his deck overlooking the river is a favorite.

“We have limited seating outside, but they can see it from the window,” he said. He also recommended the parking lot across Center Street from his restaurant as a great spot to watch fireworks.

Farther away but higher up, July 4 crowds gather on Goff Hill in Auburn, overlooking the downtown. Police close Court Street between Lake and Granite streets during the show to accommodate the crowds.

Mount David, overlooking Bates College in Lewiston, offers similar views.

“It looks out right out over CMMC, and down into the valley,” said McGonagle.

Boat launches closed

Rafters and kayakers won’t be able to watch the show from beneath the falls this year, McGonagle said. Police will close the boat launches in both cities at 3 p.m. to keep people from paddling up under the bridge to watch the show.

“The current is dangerous there, and there are a lot of people on the bridge and on both sides of the river,” McGonagle said. “It can be dangerous if people are drinking. If they fall in, we have no easy way of getting to them.”

Police will set up a command center on Mill Street in Lewiston to handle the crowds. Ambulances will be there as well, ready to respond.