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Blackhawks parade Friday, tight security expected

By GABRIELLE LEVY, UPI.com
The Blackhawks celebrate their Stanley Cup victory at a parade in 2010. File/UPI/Stephen J. Carrera
1 of 2 | The Blackhawks celebrate their Stanley Cup victory at a parade in 2010. File/UPI/Stephen J. Carrera | License Photo

The Chicago Blackhawks successfully dispatched the Boston Bruins on the way to winning the Stanley Cup, but another Boston sporting event looms large over the Friday's celebratory parade.

The parade this week will be policed by tough restrictions on what people can bring into the celebration and see beefed up police presence, precautionary measures meant to prevent violence like the bombings at the Boston marathon in April.

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Large bags and backpacks will be searched, and coolers and alcohol are strictly forbidden.

“We are a lucky city, and have learned from experience. We know how to throw celebrations,” said Dave Kennedy of Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. “We want everyone to have a safe and wonderful time.”

In addition to bomb-sniffing dogs and closed streets, entry to the rally set up at the end of the parade will be tightly controlled.

“We have been preparing for a Blackhawks championship for some time," said Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy. "The Boston Marathon factors into our plan, as we’ve been discussing best practices in law enforcement and the briefings coming out of there."

"In 2010, there were some folks who jumped the barricades to get closer to the Cup and the Hawks," he said. "If you do this, you will be arrested.”

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The parade goes from the United Center at 10:30 a.m. to Grant Park, where the team will be honored at a rally.

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