By Sacramento Daily Press Staff

Fireworks are returning to the Sacramento River this New Year’s Eve for the first time in five years, bringing back a long standing tradition at the Old Sacramento Waterfront. The event, called Countdown on the Cobblestones, will run December 31 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and is free to the public.

The celebration includes live entertainment, family activities, and a 9 p.m. fireworks show over the river. Organizers say the earlier display offers a family friendly option while still delivering the large scale show that Sacramento has been missing since before the hiatus.

Festivities are centered at Front Street and K Street in Old Sacramento. City officials expect heavy traffic and road closures in the area and encourage visitors to use garages, light rail, or rideshare.

The return of fireworks marks the revival of a holiday tradition many Sacramento residents grew up with and have waited years to see restored.