April 27, 2010
Macy's July 4th fireworks on Hudson River again in 2010
Update: See the NYC July 4 guide for 2010 viewing locations and other events.
(Note: This story has been updated at the end with comments from a Macy’s spokesman regarding the move and future locations.)
For the second year in a row, the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks will light up the skies above the Hudson River, again snubbing the East River which had been the most frequent location for decades.
(Update: Macy’s official fireworks link for 2010.)
The news is spelled out quite clearly in a February press release on Macy’s website, which just like last year, has gone unnoticed by just about all the NYC news media.
(NewYorkology tracked it down this morning after coming across Circle Line’s July 4 fireworks Hudson cruise web page.)
Designed by SOUSA Fireworks, the 2010 July 4 show will feature more than 40,000 pyrotechnic shells fired from six barges in the Hudson River in a 26-minute synchronized display, according to the Macy’s press release. The music will be provided by The New York Pops orchestra, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir as well as a capella, gospel, choral groups and barbershop quartets.
The fireworks were moved to the Hudson in 2009 as part of the festivities honoring the 400th Anniversary of Henry Hudson’s first arrival to the river that now bears his name. The move angered Brooklynites, Roosevelt Islanders and residents of Manhattan’s east side. But their loss was New Jersey’s gain, as well as everyone on the west side on Manhattan. Macy’s Fireworks debuted in 1958 on the Hudson and became an annual event years later. It was usually located on the East River, but was on the Hudson as recently as 2000.
The 2010 press release offers no hint of the location for 2011, but states: “Yearly fired from various locations across New York City, Macy’s Fireworks feature shells from all over the world.”
NewYorkolgy’s has contacted Macy’s for further comment on the move.
Other 4th of July events already on sale for 2010 include Circle Line’s rooftop party and cruises from Schooner Adirondack, World Yacht, Spirit Cruises, Clipper City, NY Waterway, Seastreak and NY Water Taxi.
Related: NYC 311’s list of upcoming legal fireworks displays issued permits by the Fire Department.
Macy’s Fireworks Hotline: (212) 494-4495.
Update as of 3:20 p.m. April 27: Macy’s spokesman Orlando Veras replied via email to two questions about the Hudson River fireworks. Here are the questions and his answers in full:
1 - Will the Hudson be the new permanent home for the fireworks? (If no, can you say where they’ll likely be in 2011 and 2012?)
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks have been fired from various points in the waters surrounding New York City continually since 1976. Macy’s Fireworks will continue to light up the sky in New York City each year. The guiding forces on the firing locations surrounding New York City is the design of that year’s show and the opportunity for a maximum number of people too view the spectacular effects we planned live.
2. Why did Macy’s opt to go with the Hudson again this year?
The Hudson allows us to put on the massive show we planned this year celebrating the nation’s independence and the its unique musical heritage. With 6 extra long barges, positioned end to end we are able to cover more than 30 city blocks and heights of up to 1000 feet with multi-tiered fireworks. The public viewing is also great for this design on the west side with its non elevated highway and various piers and parks that allow for increased viewing of the show’s multi level effects.
Picture credit: 2009 fireworks over the Hudson from the deck of the USS Intrepid. Amy Langfield/NewYorkology.
Earlier: Macy’s 4th of July Hudson River fireworks pictures
Macy’s 4th of July fireworks moving to Hudson River (2009)
April 27, 2010 11:23 AM in Cheap Stuff, Kids, Midtown, Out of Manhattan, Romance, Sightsology
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