BY TANYA BRICKING
The Cincinnati Enquirer

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The countdown is on for Riverfest, the area's signature event to mark the end of summer.

Organizers showed off a bit of pyrotechnics with glorified sparklers at a news conference Tuesday to promote the Aug. 31 show - the 18th annual Toyota-WEBN Fireworks.

Here's what to expect at the Labor Day weekend party that attracts a half million people to the riverfront and surrounding hills:

• A Toyota Airsports Show. Aerobatic pilot Kent Gorton will take to the skies at 7:30 p.m.

• Because of the air show, the U.S. Coast Guard will be more stringent with river restrictions. The river will be closed to boat traffic from 7 to 10 p.m. between the Clay Wade Bailey Bridge and the Interstate 471 bridge.

• This is the fourth year for an alcohol ban but the first ban on coolers. The ban will prevent alcohol smugglers and give people more room, events coordinator Leslie Keller said. Umbrellas also are among the banned items.

• Both sides of the river will have more entertainment, with 30 bands performing on five stages.

• Covington's Riverfest Run, a 4-mile race, will be at 9:30 a.m. Aug. 30, the day before the fireworks. To register, call the recreation department at 292-2151.

• A new American Indian gathering will feature performances, crafts, music and food.

• Those who attend the 1 p.m. Bengals game against the Arizona Cardinals can keep their cars in the Cinergy Field garage until after the fireworks, or cars must be out an hour after the game.

• Drivers with disabilities can call 352-4014 for a pass to park and view the fireworks.

• Metro has more bus routes for people with disabilities. Call 531-8888 for reservations.

• Metro's Riverfest Express has added suburban bus stops: Western Hills Plaza, Anderson Township Park & Ride, the Shops at Harper's Point, General Electric and Raymond Walters College.

The Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky will shuttle from Northern Kentucky University, Oldenburg Brewery and Turfway Race Track.

The rest will be more of the same, with Frisbee-catching dogs and sand volleyball before the show.

With WEBN's 30th anniversary, crowds can expect a bigger and better show, said Alene Grevey, Jacor Communications vice president and general manager.

She's mum on the details.

"What happens at the show is always a secret."