4th of July Firework Shows
Saturday, July 4, 2009 at 10:58 am under U.S. News 4th of July Firework Shows
4th of July Firework Shows, The spectacular Macy’s July 4th fireworks display is moving across town in 2009. To celebrate the 400th anniversary
of the exploration of the Hudson River by Henry Hudson, Macy’s will stage a showstopping pyrotechnic show over the Hudson River instead of the East River this year.(happy 4th of july comments)
The Macy’s July 4th fireworks display originally made its debut on the Hudson River in 1958 before becoming an East River tradition in 1976.
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks 2009
The 2009 Macy’s fireworks show will feature more than 40,000 shells exploding at a rate of more than 1,500 per minute (that’s eight times more high-level fireworks than last year’s show). At approximately 9:20 pm on July 4th, the 26-minute display will be set off from six barges positioned between 24th and 50th Streets on the Hudson River.
The fireworks will be synchronized to a score of patriotic standards, classic river-themed works, and original music. The legendary New York Pops will perform the musical score under the direction of Steve Reineke. Broadway superstars Audra McDonald and Idina Menzel will perform.
Before the big fireworks show, spectators can enjoy an FDNY Fireboat water show (featuring arcs of red, white, and blue arcing 300 feet in the air) and an Air National Guard jet flyover.
View Macy’s July 4th Fireworks In Style
Scrap those plans to spend July 4th in Brooklyn or on FDR Drive. This year, the best views will be from Manhattan’s West Side between 23rd and 59th Streets and choice spots along the New Jersey waterfront.
Keep in mind that the public viewing areas get extremely crowded, so arrive early (well before 7 pm if you want a decent spot) and bring chairs or a blanket to spread out and whatever other supplies you need to enjoy the wait .
The West Side Highway will eventually turn into a giant New York City block party. Just make sure you hit the loo before you get there – public restroom facilities will be crowded and disgusting if available at all (no official word on bathroom situation as of yet). And be prepared to spend some time getting home. It takes a while for the crowd to thin out.
See below for the best places to view the 2009 Macy’s July 4th fireworks.
In Manhattan, 12th Avenue and the northbound lanes of the West Side Highway between 23rd and 59th Streets will be closed to traffic for public fireworks viewing. Pedestrian access to the viewing area will be via the following streets: 24th, 26th through 30th, 34th, 40th through 44th, 47th through 52nd, and 54th through 57th.
According to Macy’s, the following West Side spots will NOT be open for public viewing of the fireworks: Battery Park, Battery Park City, Hudson River Piers (except Pier 54 and Pier 84 as described above, the Hudson Park Promenade between West Houston and 59th Streets, and the Hudson River Park Bike Path between West Houston and 59th Streets.
Get tips on getting to the Macy’s July 4th fireworks, including street closures and parking advice.
You’ll find great views of the Macy’s 2009 fireworks from Hoboken and Weehawken, with decent views from Jersey City and North Bergen. The Chandelier Room at the new W Hotel in Hoboken offers great views of the fireworks and a special menu of summer snacks and cocktails (Elderflower margarita, anyone?).
* Empire State Building
Watch the Macy’s Fireworks from the top of the Empire State Building. Only 250 tickets will be sold so you’ll have to book well in advance. For $125 per person, you can get access to the 86th Floor Observatory between 8-10PM to watch the fireworks. Purchase tickets by calling 212-736-3100.
Located right off the West Side Highway (621 West 46th Street), the Hudson Terrace rooftop will offer panoramic views of the 4th of July fireworks. For $125 per person, you can also enjoy all-you-can-eat BBQ and an open bar from 7-10 PM. For $200 per person, you and your posse can hang out in a private cabana for 15.
The Circle Line’s July 4th cruise also offers an awesome view of the fireworks from the river. A DJ will provide entertainment and you can enjoy a cash bar and buffet dinner.
For additional fireworks viewing information, the general public should call the Macy’s Fireworks Hot Line at (212) 494-4495.
Macy’s July 4th Fireworks Live
You can also catch the fireworks action from the comforts of home by tuning in to Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular broadcast nationally on -TV. The 2009 telecast will be hosted by Natalie Morales and Tiki Barber from the flight deck of the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum beginning at 9:00 PM (check local listings). The one-hour star-studded special will feature a line-up of performances from Rob Thomas, Jewel, and the cast of Broadway’s West Side Story.
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