The Livonia Spree has added metal detectors and a stricter curfew policy this year as organizers work to manage large crowds and address concerns about a potential teen takeover at the six-day event.

Watch Megan Lee's video report below: Livonia Spree tightens security and enforces curfew amid teen takeover concerns

Kayleigh Reid, executive director of the Livonia Spree and Livonia City Council president, said the decision to add security measures came in response to crowd sizes that became difficult to manage.

"So our crowds were so large, very unmanageable. So we brought in extra security this year. We've added metal detectors just to make no one is bringing any weapons in," Reid said.

The Livonia Police Department posted on Facebook that it is aware of several social media posts referencing a teen takeover at the Livonia Spree this weekend. The department says there will be zero tolerance and enforcement.

Reid addressed the concern directly.

"You shouldn't have to worry about mobs of teenagers running around," Reid said.

Anyone under 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian after 4 p.m. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The rule will be strictly enforced, and no fine will be issued for violations but unaccompanied minors will be asked to leave.

"We're going to really be enforcing that 17 and under, parent and guardian rule. You're not going to be able to come with 10 of your friends if you're 15 without a guardian," Reid said.

Reid said the response from parents in the community has been positive.

"I've had a lot of feedback from other moms in the community, other dads that say we feel a lot better going in, bringing our little kids with us just knowing that there is that protection," Reid said.

Latonya Scott, who is working at the Spree, said teen takeovers need to stop.

"There's no reason to be out here doing teen takeovers. It's just not. This is a family place. There is just no reason for it," Scott said.

Long-time attendee Martha Diakow said the metal detectors caught her off guard, but she understands the reasoning.

"It's kinda sad. It may be needed, but it's still kinda sad," Diakow said.

Diakow said the event has always felt like a safe, welcoming community gathering.

"It's just the hometown fun atmosphere. You always run into people, neighbors, old school friends," Diakow said.

She hopes everyone in the community has fun this weekend.

"That's so sad and unfortunate. Why would they wanna do that. It's not just their spree it's for everybody. Come and have fun!" Diakow said.

The Livonia Spree is free of charge except on Sunday.

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Barricades and fences are already set up as hundreds of thousands of people are expected to fill the area Monday night for the annual fireworks show.

Watch reports from Megan Lee and Carli Petrus below Your guide to the 2026 Ford Fireworks: Parking, viewing areas and more Downtown prepares for 2026 Ford Fireworks, large crowds anticipated

Detroit City Council approved an ordinance this week extending the city's curfew for minors during the fireworks. The curfew is now from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Previously, the curfew started at 10 p.m.

The change comes after several weeks of so-called "teen takeovers" and violence. Last year, a 17-year-old boy and a 22-year-old woman were shot as the annual fireworks were going off.

Minors must be with their parent or a guardian after 8 p.m. if they choose to watch the fireworks within the curfew boundary. Parents of children found in violation would face a $250 fine.

Alton Ross, a retired Detroit firefighter who spent years bringing his daughters to the summertime tradition, said the city is prepared for the large crowd.

"They look forward to it, they know it's a big event, and DFD is always ready," Ross said.

Ross said he understands the reasoning behind the updated curfew.

"They shouldn't be down here running around to do whatever they want to do. I think that's the real reason for the curfew and people are looking at it different ways," Ross said.

He added that the responsibility ultimately falls on families.

"We want the parents to be responsible for your kids, that's it," Ross said.

Jarren Grabke is excited to bring his young daughter to the show for the first time.

"I mean I had a curfew. I came home when the lights came on, time to go home," Grabke said.

"Seeing everything through her eyes for the first time, brings back my own memories," Grabke said.

If you are planning to attend, the city says to arrive early, as sections of Woodward will be closed and spots like Hart Plaza will be packed.

Gilbert Nesbitt, general manager of Experience ZUZU, an Asian fusion restaurant just a short distance from Hart Plaza, said his team is ready for the rush.

"We expect an early crowd for people to get positioning for the fireworks," Nesbitt said.

"Our patio is open and ready to rock for the fireworks," Nesbitt said.

Nesbitt said the restaurant is bringing in additional staff to handle the increased demand.

"We are going to schedule heavier than a normal Monday. Anticipating heavy traffic and I want to be able to serve as many guests in that time frame," Nesbitt said.

Click here for all of the details on how to prepare for the fireworks.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Northville Township police partnered with a local church to provide de-escalation and emergency response training Wednesday night.

This comes after two incidents that shocked Michigan faith communities within the last year.

Watch Megan Lee's video report below: Northville Township police train Ward Church security team on active threat response

Members of the Ward Church security team trained alongside Northville Township Police Department Officer Andrew Domzalski, who walked them through training in case there is ever an active threat at their place of worship.

"Providing them with the training is one of the best things we can possibly do. Knowledge is power, but understanding what to do in these situations is key," Domzalski said.

"Our focus at Northville Township is to be proactive, not reactive," Domzalski said.

The security team from the Presbyterian church on 6 Mile Road used MILO a use of force and de-escalation scenario-based simulator typically used by law enforcement. The simulator forced the security team to make critical decisions during high-stress conditions.

Mark Adams, director of the safety team at Ward Church, said the training gives his team a chance to prepare for real-world situations.

"It's one that goes through and helps us see scenarios that could possibly occur but practice in a safe environment," Adams said.

The training is especially relevant after the shooting at a Grand Blanc church in September and the Temple Israel attack just a few months ago.

"The world is changing and I think with the way things are going today that houses of worship do need to consider having safety teams," Adams said.

Domzalski said law enforcement has a responsibility to engage with faith communities.

"If you're not working with your places of worship as far as law enforcement goes, you're doing a huge disservice to the community," Domzalski said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.