(CBS DETROIT) – Downtown Detroit will begin to be a lot brighter just in time for the Christmas season. The city will host its 21st annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Friday.

“A lot of what we’re focused on is making sure is not only is it a great family event for all ages, but truly a safe event,” said Eric Larson, CEO of Downtown Detroit Partnership.

The countdown is on, and the final decorations are being staged. The city expects at least 50,000 people to travel downtown to witness the spectacle.

“Pack your patience because, as you see, streets are blocked off now, they’ll be blocked off then, so you’re going to park out a little way,” Wayne County Sheriff Raphael Washington said.

Safety is a big priority and over 100 officers will be out and about. In past years, city leaders say minors have had habits of attending, and this year, they plan to crack down and even ticket parents who aren’t supervising their kids.

“Minors that are 15 and under. They need supervision at 8 p.m.; if you are 16 or 17 years old, your supervision starts at 11 pm,” Interim Police Chief Todd Bettison said.

This will mark Bettision’s first time hosting a major event since becoming interim chief. He says he’s ready, and although many officers will be downtown, other parts of the city won’t be neglected.

“We ensure that the neighborhoods are covered and that its adequate officers are still in the neighborhood of the city so that those runs are being answered. I’m not neglecting anything we have it all covered,” Bettison said.

Campus Martius and all surrounding areas will be packed. With an event of such size. CBS News Detroit learned that DPD, the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office and Michigan State Police partnered to keep the area safe.

“Everyone in law enforcement agencies are short in manpower. It’s important that we come together as one band,” Washington said.

Authorities say it’s a gun-free zone, and metal detectors will be out checking people. By the night’s end, Downtown Detroit will be lit up with nearly 1 million Christmas lights.

Over the past years, Malik Beasley has suited up for countless different franchises across the NBA. His journeyman voyage continued this summer when he inked a one-year deal with the Detroit Pistons in free agency.

Through the first few weeks of the season, Beasley is looking like one of the best value signins of free agency. His outside shooting has provided a much-needed dynamic to Detroit’s offense, and he is putting up some of his best numbers in the process. Beasley is currently averaging 15.4 PPG and shooting 39.3% from beyond the arc on 9.1 attempts per game.

Along with having success on the court, Beasley seems to be enjoying his new life outside of basketball as well. During a recent appearance on The Detroit Pistons Podcast, the veteran sharpshooter opened up on how Detroit is a bit of a second home for him.

“My mom’s from here born and raised,” Beasley said. “My mom used to bring me out here every summer with my sister. To be out here right now playing for the Pistons is a dream come true. It’s like my second home…I’m just glad to be here.”

At the moment, Beasley finds himself in the midst of one of the best offensive streaks of his career. Despite shifting between the second unit and starting lineup, he has racked up five straight 20+ point performances. Beasley has notched a season-high 26 points on two occasions in the past week, once against the Milwauke Bucks and once against the Washington Wizards.

Between his complementary play on the court and being a veteran leader behind the scenes, Beasley has been a huge addition to the Pistons this season. His presence on and off the floor has been a catalyst to their impressive start to the year.