Macy’s 4th Of July Fireworks (via Macy’s)
June 10, 2021 By Allie Griffin
Queens residents will once again be offered prime viewing for the Macy’s July 4th annual fireworks.
The fireworks will return to the East River for Macy’s “biggest show yet” after it was reduced in size last year due to COVID-19, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Thursday.
Macy’s will anchor five barges around Midtown Manhattan in the East River — across from Long Island City — and light off more than 65,000 shells in a colorful display.
“I am happy to announce that America’s biggest firework display is back,” de Blasio said at a morning press briefing. “[Macy’s is] bringing back the full-scale firework show as we have loved it for decades and decades.”
The 25-minute show will begin at roughly 9:45 p.m. on Sunday, July 4 and spectators will be able to view them along the East River shoreline in Queens, Manhattan and Brooklyn.
The NYPD will set up public viewing areas. Details of those locations and entry points will be continuously updated at macys.com/fireworks.
The fireworks display will also be broadcast on NBC along with a series of live performances from the Black Pumas, Coldplay, One Republic, Reba McEntire and more, starting at 8 p.m.
Last year during the pandemic, Macy’s changed the format of its annual display. The company set off fireworks in spontaneous, unannounced locations across the five boroughs to prevent crowds from forming due to COVID-19.
“Last year we had to do it in a very different way,” de Blasio said. “It was great but it wasn’t that same extravaganza we’re used to. This year [the show will be] back and literally better than ever.”
A spokesperson for Macy’s said the company was looking forward to hosting its regular event once again.
“We’re truly humbled to have the opportunity to continue this cherished tradition — returning to a large-scale live audience this year helping to reinvigorate our city and our nation,” said Will Cross, the producer of the 2021 Macy’s fireworks display.
“For more than four decades, Macy’s fireworks have brought joy and celebration to New York City,” Cross added.
