Jersey City, the Meadowlands, and New York City are once again going to provide fireworks for local residents.
Locally, the biggest celebration will be at Liberty State Park in Jersey City, which can be reached by light rail. There is also parking, but traffic is often busy there on July 4.
Between 80,000 and 200,000 visitors are expected for a concert and other activities in the park that day.
“This is the first time in years that we will be having events all day,” said Mary Anne Kelleher-Arango, Director of Cultural Affairs for Jersey City.
The events will start at 1 p.m. Tom Chapin and friends will perform for the children in attendance.
“We want to make sure the kids are enjoying it,” said Kelleher-Arango.
At 3 p.m., Jersey City’s Freedom Fest Concert begins, including performers Gary U.S. Bonds and John Eddie.
The musical performances will lead up to the Jersey City Fireworks at 9 p.m., shooting from the barge between Ellis Island and the Terminal Building, giving the park’s South Field the best view.
Macy’s New York
Directly following the end of the Jersey City Fireworks, the Macy’s Fireworks show, “It’s About U.S.,” will begin at approximately 9:26 p.m.
Macy’s puts on the nation’s largest show of lights each year. This year it will celebrate the 30th year of the event.
Thus, Macy’s will be putting on a completely different show than previous years. There will be new shells never before used, some which have never been used in the United States before.
“We’re bringing it closer to the audience,” said Orlando Veras, Macy’s spokesperson. “It’s going to look completely different. We’re still doing the ‘Big Bang’ up above, but at the same time, we will be launching fireworks that only reach 150 feet.”
The New York Pops will be serenading TV viewers with an original score, written by Macy’s Creative Director Bill Schermerhorn, honoring America’s diverse people and places.
“We’re going on a journey across the country,” Veras said.
This year’s show will be bigger than ever and in cooperation with the city of New York, will be launched simultaneously from three different locations in New York: the East River between 23rd and 42nd streets, the New York Harbor, and directly below South Street Seaport. This will allow viewing from areas throughout Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan.
The Macy’s Fireworks will be televised on NBC beginning at 9 p.m. And 1010 WINS will be broadcasting music choreographed to Macy’s show.
Meadowlands
The State Fair at the Meadowlands, which opened on June 22 in East Rutherford, will be holding holiday hours on July 2, July 3, and July 4, from 2 p.m. until 2 a.m. Admission to the Fair on July 3 and 4 is $9 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under, and free for children under 34″ tall.
On July 3 and 4, the sky above the Meadowlands will be lit up with two explosive nights of sight, sound, and color. During the spectacular fireworks display, there will also be performances occurring throughout the night, including Hypnotist Steve Bayner, Rosaire’s Royal Racing Pigs, Buffo – the World’s Strongest Clown, and Corona’s Circus Hollywood, to name a few.
For more information on the State Fair at the Meadowlands, visit www.njfair.com.