Macy's Marks 50th NYC Fireworks Show With 85,000 Shells Across 2 Rivers
Updated
Updated · CBS New York · Jul 5
Macy's Marks 50th NYC Fireworks Show With 85,000 Shells Across 2 Rivers
3 articles · Updated · CBS New York · Jul 5
Summary
Macy's set its 50th annual New York City July 4 fireworks show for 9:02 p.m., moving the start up from about 9:25 p.m. because of severe weather risk.
More than 85,000 fireworks in 30 colors were planned from four East River barges and two Hudson River barges, with pyrotechnics and lasers also staged on the Brooklyn Bridge.
100,000 free tickets were issued for prime viewing at Brooklyn Bridge Park and the South Street Seaport, while unticketed spectators were limited to designated access points and public parking was barred nearby.
Temperatures in the 90s and heat indexes above 100 added to the challenge, prompting organizers to stress hydration, light clothing and possible delays if lightning or other severe conditions developed.
The dual-river display marks both the U.S. 250th birthday and the event's return to a two-waterfront format after shifting between the East and Hudson rivers in recent years.