As the spectacle that was OpSail fades further in our memory, it’s time to come up with plans for this year’s Fourth of July celebration. If you can’t make it to the beach, the mountains, or our country’s capital, here are some other local options.
As always, the Manhattan’s mega-department store Macy’s is hosting its annual fireworks extravaganza. And, as always, New York Waterway is offering evening cruises that will provide a spectacular view of the spectacle. On Wednesday night, fireworks cruise boats will leave Port Imperial in Weehawken and the Erie Lackawanna Train Terminal in Hoboken at 7:30 and 8 p.m. The boats will float in the Hudson for approximately three hours and provide a simulcast of the Macy’s music score.
Fares are $55 for adults and $45 for children. To make a reservation, or for more information, call (800) 533-3779 or visit their web site at nywaterway.com.
Also, as always, Secaucus will celebrate the Fourth of July on the 3rd at the town’s Municipal Swim Center. The celebration – a Hawaiian Luau theme party – kicks off at 7 p.m. There will be hula dancers, fire eaters and island music along with refreshments and tropical treats. There will also be a fireworks display at 9:15 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Secaucus Town Council, and it’s open ONLY to Secaucus residents.
Jersey City is sponsoring its annual fireworks display at 9:15 p.m. at Liberty State Park (near the Central Railroad Terminal). The city’s cultural affairs office encourages all fireworks goers to arrive early by way of public transportation.
The mile-square-city has no official plans for the Fourth. “Normally we don’t anything for the Fourth,” explained Geri Fallo, Hoboken’s director of cultural affairs. “The city workers usually have that day off.”
In fact, the city has even opted to cancel its weekly Movie Under the Stars.
The city’s bars, however, have canceled nothing, so expect some rocking and rolling this Fourth of July. The quirky twangy rock and blues band Southern Culture on the Skids will be at Maxwell’s (1039 Washington St., Hoboken) and Joe Taino will lead a blues jam at Scotland Yard (72 Hudson St., Jersey City). There will also be live music at the Whiskey Bar (125 Washington St., Hoboken). And Hoboken’s Swing Scene will be celebrating the Fourth July Lindy-Hop style at Willie McBride’s (616 Grand St., Hoboken).
So, enjoy the fire works, don’t drink and drive, and have a hot dog for us.