By Bill Parry
The Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks spectacular will be back in Long Island City for the third consecutive year with NBC once again basing its national broadcast from Hunters Point South Park. More than 52,000 shells will be fired from four barges along the East River beginning at 9:20 p.m.
“For the third year in a row, I’m thrilled that the nation’s most brilliant July 4th fireworks display will return to the East River for all to see,” City Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside) said. “Keeping the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks along the East River will give all in my district a chance to enjoy the dazzling spectacle live with family and friends and will turn Long Island City into a destination that will certainly give our local businesses a reason to celebrate.”
The fireworks first returned to the East River in 2015, after many years on the Hudson River, but spectators in western Queens were disappointed when the shells were launched from barges around the Brooklyn Bridge, out of sight from most prime viewing locations along the Long Island City waterfront. While Hunters Point South Park will be closed to the public for the NBC broadcast, Gantry Plaza State Park will be teeming with more than 50,000 visitors.
“It’s a good thing for the Long Island City community and for all of our restaurants and bars and other local businesses,” Hunters Point Park Conservancy President Rob Basch said. “However, I do wish Macy’s reached out more to the community by providing tickets to local residents, or at least make a contribution to the Hunters Point Park Conservancy.”
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparr
