You can go to Bayonne or Jersey City to see Fourth of July fireworks, but not North Bergen, West New York, Weehawken, or Hoboken. You can go to Secaucus as well, but their celebration is two days before the Fourth, and you must be a resident. Union City is planning its own event.
A lot has changed since just two years ago, when Macy’s still held its annual fireworks display over the Hudson River.
Because Macy’s has moved its Fourth of July Fireworks Show to the other side of Manhattan, over the East River, what was once a large celebration on the Hudson County waterfront has become a nonevent. But don’t fret; Jersey City has taken up the slack. This year’s event is expected to be even more popular than last.
Union City
Although no fireworks are scheduled, Union City will hold its celebration on July 2 as well, from 6 to 10 p.m. along Palisade Avenue from 8th to 15th Streets.
This year’s festivities include several rides and activities for children, including the popular children’s show “Rosario & Her Stars,” art and history exhibits, a classic car show, free hot dogs and water, and live music by the groups El Capitan, Back in Business Band, Cubanoson, Union Hill, and Ray Machado y Su Grupo.
Admission is free and all are invited to attend. The rain date is Friday, July 3.
Jersey City
Jersey City is the county’s go-to venue for fireworks.
What is being referred to by city officials as New Jersey’s premier Fourth of July concert and fireworks spectacular, Freedom & Fireworks Festival, will take place on Saturday, July 4 from noon to 10 p.m. at Liberty State Park. It will feature the return of Fireworks by Grucci, as well as live music all day, carnival rides, children’s activities, and plenty of food and drink.
“Invite your friends and family to join us in Jersey City as this will be big.” – City spokesperson
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Last year’s festival attracted 60,000 people and was the largest in the state.
The event this year will help the New Jersey Special Olympics send its athletes to the Los Angeles World Games.
Hoboken, North Bergen, Weehawken, West New York, and Guttenberg have no scheduled fireworks, as their spokesmen have advised that the Macy’s show will not be visible from their shorelines.
Secaucus
As in the past, Secaucus will still kick off the Independence Week celebrations on Thursday, July 2 at its municipal swim club, according to Recreation Director John Voli.
More than 1,000 people come to Secaucus’s celebration for residents at the location on Koelle Boulevard. Identification is checked.
The pool is open free for residents and their guests at 4 p.m., with food and beverages available beginning at 6 p.m. Good Vibrations, a Beach Boys tribute band, will begin playing at 7 p.m. The 20-minute fireworks show starts about 9:15 or 9:20.
“It’s a great night. Everybody has good time; the food is good. The kids enjoy it and the fireworks are really a good show,” Voli said.
Many don’t even enter the swim club, opting to stay just outside the gates to watch the fireworks. Parking is available at the swim club. The rain date is July 3.
Bayonne
Bayonne will also celebrate on Thursday, July 2, on the lower level of DiDomenico-16th Street Park, beginning at 7 p.m., weather permitting. The park is between Avenue A and Newark Bay.
The Blue Dawg Band will play at 7 at the municipal amphitheater in the park. The city will offer free children’s inflatable rides, also on the lower level, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The 30-minute fireworks show will begin at approximately 9:15 p.m.
There will be limited parking, so the city encourages attendees to take the free shuttle bus service provided at Catholic War Veterans’ Post #1612, at the corner of West 23rd Street and Del Monte Drive, beginning at 6 p.m.
The rain date for all activities is Friday, July 3.
In the event of inclement weather, call (201) 471-7590 after 4 p.m., visit www.bayonnerec.com, or visit the city of Bayonne Facebook page.
Joseph Passantino may be reached at JoePass@hudsonreporter.com.