Independence Day, July 4, always brings spectacular displays of fireworks that light up the sky as people look on in wonder from throughout the area.
Whether in search of a town celebration or the biggest show in the tri-state area, locals and visitors alike will find plenty of choices this year.
There are also options on Thursday, July 3, so some holiday festivities will kick off early to make the three-day weekend even bigger.
Macy’s musical fireworks
Macy’s 32nd annual Fourth of July fireworks spectacular will kick off at 9:25 p.m. on Friday, July 4 from two New York City sites – the East River between 10th and 24th streets and the South Street Seaport.
Hudson County residents lining up along the waterfront should be able to make out at least one display.
Every year, Macy’s gives its official fireworks spectacular a theme, and this year it’s “America Dances.”
“This 4th of July, Macy’s Fireworks score celebrates America’s great love of dancing in all its energetic, romantic, joyful and seductive steps and styles,” Bill Schermerhorn, Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks creative director, explained in a statement. “The fireworks are always choreographed to the musical score … but this year they’ll dance like never before!”
Song selections will include “Good Golly Miss Molly,” “The Twist,” and “Save the Last Dance for Me” as well as a traditional national overture featuring “American the Beautiful” and “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Popular places to watch the display in New Jersey include the Newport and Exchange Place waterfront areas in Jersey City, Sinatra Drive and Pier A Park in Hoboken, and Boulevard East in North Hudson.
Jersey City: Festivities all day long
On the Fourth of July, Jersey City will hold its Independence Day festivities at Liberty State Park from 2 to 10 p.m. For the kids, Radio Disney will broadcast live onsite with music, games, and dance contests. The Cultural Affairs stage will host a free concert at 3 p.m. with performances by the Persuaders, Ted Mills, Joe Bataan, Amy Speace, and DJ Omar.
Fireworks will begin at 9:15 p.m. against the backdrop of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The display will be accompanied by popular and patriotic music.
Bayonne
On July 3 around 9:30 p.m., Bayonne will host its own fireworks display, launching from the Peninsula at Bayonne Harbor on the east side, which is the site of the old Military Ocean Terminal.
The show will be easy to enjoy from the waterfront at the South Cove Commons, and there will be music and festivities beforehand beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail park and ride lot, 32nd Street and Prospect Avenue. There will be no parking onsite, so patrons are encouraged to take the Light Rail to the 34th Street station or other public transit.
This will be the 11th consecutive year Bayonne will host its own fireworks. Until 1990, fireworks were launched from a west side park, first the county park and then 16th Street park, but when an injury occurred, the city stopped the displays for several years.
Then in 1997, with additional safety features and precautionary measures in place, Bayonne brought the spark back to its sky.
Mayor Terrence Malloy made a statement thanking an anonymous sponsor for contributing to this year’s Fourth of July festivities: “I would like to thank our sponsor for helping to make this year’s celebration happen.”
For more information, call (201) 437-9181.
Weehawken
The Weehawken Women’s Auxiliary Post 18 will host a Fourth of July celebration from noon to 6 p.m. featuring music by Michael Shivers. The event is open to the public and will be held at the American Legion, at 49th Street and Boulevard East. Admission is $10, which includes food, beverage, and entertainment.
For more information, call Post 18 President Leticia Flood at (201) 766-1110.
Secaucus
On July 3, the Town of Secaucus will host fireworks by the municipal pool for residents only. The Swim Center at 2000 Koelle Blvd. will begin Independence Day celebrations with a traditional barbeque at 6 p.m. and fireworks will start at 9:15 p.m., launching from Mill Ridge Ball Field.
The State Fair Meadowlands
The State Fair Meadowlands, held every year at the Giants Stadium Fairgrounds in East Rutherford, will host fireworks on July 3 and 4 around 9 p.m.
Schaefer Pyrotechnics will produce the fireworks for the fair, and has been doing so for 38 years.
The fair hosts 150 rides and attractions, 75 food vendors, for all ages with free entertainment, magic, daredevils, and a petting zoo. The Meadowlands fair is open July 3 and 4 from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. Admission is $9 for adults, $6 for children 12 and under. Admission is free for children under 34 inches tall.
For more information, call (973) 450-1073 or visit www.njfair.com.
Comments can be sent to Mpaul@hudsonreporter.com.