By Gus Saltonstall
The Macy’s 4th of July fireworks are returning to the Hudson River for the first time since 2013, which means the show will be much easier to enjoy from the Upper West Side.
Macy’s, along with officials from the city and New Jersey, announced Tuesday the fireworks display would be taking place over the Hudson in 2024, with “thousands of shells and an array of effects from barges position along the Hudson River with multiple viewing opportunities in Manhattan between West 14th and West 34th Streets and in New Jersey.”
While the fireworks won’t be ignited on the Upper West Side, it means that any spot along the Hudson River within Riverside South and Riverside Park, or properly positioned neighborhood roof you might be able to get on, will provide locals with a great view of the display.
Macy’s will release specific recommended viewing positions in the near future, along with the musical guests and celebrities who will be taking part in the show.
The July 4th firework show typically takes place over the East River, but in 2009 the display shifted to the Hudson River for a special celebration of the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s exploration of the region around New York City. Macy’s ended up sticking with the Hudson River for four more years, before shifting back to the East River when Bill de Blasio became mayor, after public complaints about more New Yorkers from outer boroughs being able to see the show from the eastside of Manhattan.
In terms of the reasoning for the change in location, Will Coss, an executive producer of the Macy’s fireworks show, told ABC7 that “we’ve been on the East Side for quite some time. We look forward to sharing the show this year with our West Side residents.”
New Jersey is also happy about the show returning to the westside of Manhattan.
“For the first time in recent years, Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks will light up our sky above the Hudson River. We are excited to work with Mayor Adams and Macy’s to view the country’s largest Independence Day celebration from our backyard as we commemorate 248 years of nationhood,” New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said.
You can find out more about the show and be on the lookout for updates — HERE.
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Great news! Been waiting for this since moving here ten years ago. May be the first time I take my kids to see fireworks – the trek to the lower east side always felt too far out of the way for the little ones. Hopefully the view from Pier I will be close enough to enjoy the show.
It’s an environmental nightmare.
They should discontinue.
Agreed. Aren’t we over this? Can’t we use lasers or something?
When I was a child growing up on the UWS the fireworks were always over the Hudson River. It was a spectacular show and super noisy!!! A call out for thunderstorm phobic dogs!!!
So excited for a whole UWS July 4th weekend!!!
This great news for the UWS. This is will be a big boost to the local businesses during the dole drum summer month of July.