Arts & Entertainment

Independence Day to Be Super Boring in Brooklyn, Queens

Macy's fireworks will be launched exclusively on the Hudson River, yet again.

This article was written by Matt Hampton.

Fourth of July fireworks are a colorful, explosive tradition that all patriotic New Yorkers can enjoy—provided you live on the West Side of Manhattan, or in New Jersey.

Calling the fireworks "a giant party in the sky," the event's executive producer, Amy Kule, proudly announced that New York's pyrotechnic spectacular will be launched from the Hudson River this year.

If it's a party, Brooklyn and Queens are not invited. 

Since 2009, both have been left in the dark on Independence Day.

Despite calls to bring the fireworks back to the East River from the public and city officials both—which included a petition started by Public Advocate Bill de Blasio — the fireworks will be obscured for 4 million-plus people by the Manhattan skyline.

Orlando Veras, a representative for Macy's, said the department store chain "works closely with a number of city, state and federal agencies on the show, who must all align and approve details of the show plan."

Veras would not say which agencies specifically had approval over the location of the fireworks launch sites, but said the "lead partner" is the mayor's office. 

"The final choice of location is dependant on many factors including available city resources, secure public viewing locations, overall show design, the scale/size of the pyrotechnics being used, and safety requirements; which can all change from year to year," Veras said. 

When asked if the petition had any impact whatsoever on the decision to yet again exclude Brooklyn and Queens, Veras said "we absolutely take everything into account."


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