Macy’s announced Monday morning that its 46th annual 4th of July Fireworks display will be held in Long Island City next month. It’s time for Macy’s to set off more than 48,000 shells from five barges anchored in the East River off Long Island City’s shoreline starting at 9:25 pm. Macy’s collaborated with Pyro Spectaculars by Souza to create this year’s Macy’s Fireworks.
“Macy’s Fireworks will once again spark joy and captivate millions as together the nation joins in the celebration,” Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Executive Producer Will Coss said. “Live from New York City, five barges positioned on the East River will launch a kaleidoscope of colors, shapes, and sounds, celebrating America’s diverse musical legacy, featuring a selection of genres that have inspired global culture.”
Over 1,900 shells and effects will be launched per minute with the new design this year. Three-quarters of the shells will feature multiple effects, adding more pyrotechnic firepower to the celebrations Spectators are anticipated to swarm Hunters Point South Park and Gantry Plaza State Park in Manhattan for a spectacular view of the fireworks that will cover a mile of the East River. NBC will carry the 25-minute spectacle on national television, and the waterfront parks of Long Island City are ready for their close-up once again.
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“We welcome Macy’s back to Hunters Point South Park as they recognize again that this is the perfect spot to be for the July Fourth fireworks show,” Hunters Point Parks Conservancy President Rob Basch said. “This is also an ideal opportunity for everyone to come to the waterfront to support all of Long Island City’s great restaurants and businesses. Long Island City will be the place to be on the fourth, so come on down and enjoy the show.”
There will be a lot of people out in the waterfront parks when the fireworks come back, said Hunters Point Civic Association President Brent O’Leary, who is trying to replace retiring Assemblywoman Cathy Nolan.
“We are very happy to have the fireworks back in Long Island City,” O’Leary said. “It’s a great day for the whole community, and we welcome everyone to our neighborhood to enjoy. Happy Fourth of July!”

Yolanda Tristancho-Helwig, the organizer of LIC Community Action, which brought private security to the waterfront area for a third consecutive summer, believes that the NYPD will keep the masses under control. On July 4, the New York Police Department expects to deal with large groups of onlookers thanks to the introduction of a new group of Community Affairs Officers who have been out and about in Long Island City and have seen substantial changes.
“It’s an event that brings a lot of people and it’s typically pretty well managed in terms of crowd control because of added police throughout the day,” Tristancho-Helwig said. “Macy’s certainly has a lot of power for this event so they move all the food trucks and cars and have a lot of police to help keep the area under control.”
From Vernon Boulevard west to the waterfront, the NYPD has devised a plan to freeze the area. Visitors who prefer not to deal with the crowds on land will be able to purchase tickets for NY Waterway’s famed scenic cruises, which will provide unmatched views of the Fourth of July fireworks display.
Each cruise provides food, beverages, a DJ, and music synced to the fireworks to “make the celebration truly memorable,” according to a NY Waterway statement. New York Harbor’s principal landmarks will be visited by ferry before arriving at a prime viewing location for the East River fireworks. For more such 4th of July content do follow us only on leedaily.com