As the Bay Area waits with bated breath to see whether or not fog makes its annual Independence Day appearance—which usually obscures the pyrotechnics—San Francisco’s fireworks show will get under way at 9:30 p.m. next Thursday from the foot of the Municipal Pier and from barges north of Pier 39 along Fisherman’s Wharf. Thousands of people will gather to see the annual spectacle. But if you don’t want to watch the fireworks in person—and considering the traffic headache and Muni reroutes as well as the partly cloudy weather predicted for 7/4—you can still catch them on TV. Watch KRON 4 at 9 p.m. for their live fireworks special. You can also watch it live on KRON4.com. However, if you still want to see the fireworks minus the crowds, vantage points can be found all over the city if you’re okay with doing a little hiking and carting around a blanket and provisions. You could also see non-sanctioned fireworks displays in the Mission. And Angel Island or Treasure Island offer great views, too, if you have the stamina for a ferry or car trip.<doc-sep>The Fourth of July is here, and while 2018 may seem pretty different from recent years, there is still one thing that isn’t changing yet: that today is for fireworks. No matter where you are in the US, chances are you’re in spitting distance of some kind of fireworks show — here in LA tonight you’ll be able to look in pretty much every direction and see some fireworks going off — but if you want to check out what will no doubt be the biggest of all the country’s big fireworks shows you’ll probably want to check out the action above the East River in New York City. That show, the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks display, will be one of the few fireworks shows you can watch even if you aren’t nearby, because the festivities will be broadcast live on NBC starting at 8 p.m. EST and 5 p.m. PST. Also Read: Donald Glover Drops New Childish Gambino Video During 'SNL' Broadcast The show, featuring fireworks shot off from seven barges in the East River just south of Roosevelt Island, will also include a performance of “God Bless America” by Kelly Clarkson. But she’s not the only music star who is showing up for the two-hour event. The Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks show will also see performances by Ricky Martin, Black Shelton, Brandon Victor Dixon and Keith Urban. The whole thing will be hosted by Akbar Gbajabiamila and Matt Iseman. Since the show will be broadcast on NBC, that means that you can catch it over the air, on cable or an equivalent streaming service like Sling and DirecTV Now, or streaming on NBC.com or the NBC app. You will need a TV provider login for the NBC.com and NBC app streams, however. The Macy’s show on NBC won’t be the only televised fireworks show tonight. PBS will also nationally televise a fireworks extravaganza from Washington, D.C. at the same time as the New York show, though it will not, of course, be quite so star studded. But it’s there if you want it.<doc-sep>EMBED >More News Videos People are flocking to Chicago's lakefront to celebrate America's birthday ahead of the big fireworks show at Navy Pier. EMBED >More News Videos The fireworks show in Westmont went on a little earlier than planned and that was especially great news for one young couple. EMBED >More News Videos John Garcia finds out what goes into creating a top-notch fireworks display. EMBED >More News Videos Like marching bands and beauty queens, a Fourth of July parade is never without politics - especially during an election year. EMBED >More News Videos Judy Hsu made an appearance in the Hindsdale July 4th parade with her son's baseball team. CHICAGO (WLS) -- Fireworks lit up the night skies as celebrations dodged storms in the city and the suburbs Wednesday night.Thunderstorms and lightning caused several fireworks displays in the western suburbs to be delayed or canceled, including the one at Naperville's Ribfest.But the storms stayed away from Chicago long enough to allow the party at Navy Pier to go on as scheduled.Hundreds of thousands packed the pier to watch the big show unfold. Around 8:30 p.m., Navy Pier announced that they were at maximum capacity and that the public entrances to the pier were closed.It was a star-spangled celebration along the lake as the skies over Navy Pier burst with patriotic pride. "It's a great atmosphere here, and all the happy faces are surrounding here," said Navy Pier visitor Nadeem Ahmed.It's Nadeem Ahmed's birthday, born on the Fourth of July. He and his family among many who arrived early to stake out their spot on the pier.At the entrance, there was a sea of officers and private security. Every visitor underwent bag checks and wanding before entering. "Obviously safety and security is a top priority for Navy Pier and for its guests, and so we're making sure people are having a comfortable experience, and in order to do that we've got wanding and bag checking in place," said Navy Pier Spokesperson Payal Patel. "We've got so many things going on in the world today, and I'll tell you, safety is a big thing, and I did not mind it at all," said Navy Pier visitor Melissa Baker.Chicago Police also patrolled the beaches as part of a citywide surge of 1,500 additional officers, which helped to keep the focus on food and family. "I'm a Vietnam veteran, so I'm happy. Independence Day. Independence Day. Can't say more than that. It's a marvelous thing," said William Calhoun who spent the Fourth grilling.A marvelous thing and a marvelous night. The Navy Pier fireworks are an annual reminder that the best part of independence is celebrating together. "Everybody's just having fun. There's music, food. Everybody's relaxed, kids. It's the place to be," said Navy Pier visitor Todd Loving.Revelers had to fight to stay cool under the hot summer sun, but that's didn't stop people from outdoor celebrations. "It's a beautiful day in the city of Chicago. Any day you're outside near the lake it's a good day," said Ryan Wilkin who was on the lakefront Wednesday afternoon.Ryan Wilkin and his father, Steve, were two of the thousands that flocked to the lake front to celebrate America's birthday. "It's kind of like your midway celebration. Your midway holiday," said Steve Wilkin.Leading up to the big fireworks show, families were out celebrating in true Fourth of July fashion, donning their red, white and blue best."America. Red, white and blue. I just love America," said Loreathia Chambers.At 31st Street beach, there were many taking a break from the heat for a dip into Lake Michigan as others sizzled by their grills. "Chicken wings, hot links, chicken legs, hot dogs and Polish sausages. I like to grill. This is my day. This is my day; this is what I do best, own this grill," said grill master William Calhoun.At Navy Pier, people took advantage of the weather to get out on the lake and enjoy the views of the city from boats or special cruise liners. "This is hands down the busiest day of the year for us. This is the only day of the year where we end up reaching capacity and having to close our gates as a result so get here early," said Navy Pier Spokesperson Payal Patel.But more than the fireworks, fashion or the food, the people we spoke with say the Fourth is about celebrating freedom and family time. "Nothing better than being with friends and family. No doubt about that. We work too hard and we don't spend enough time with our family," said Ryan Wilkin. "You get out and enjoy life. That's what it's all about: freedom, peace, love understanding," said Lisa Tyree.The fireworks show in Westmont went on a little earlier than planned and that was especially great news for one young couple.Simultaneous fireworks displays erupted over a packed park in Westmont. From the ground and from the sky, a carefully timed show suddenly had to go off a little early when weather threatened to cancel it at the last second.And just before the display- a sign lit up and changed a couple's life.It's been a full day of celebration here. "It's nice, it's quiet, it's a lot of just togetherness, everyone just out here to love each other," said Westmont fireworks attendee Latoya DeQuir.And Westmont is a place that exemplifies what America is. "If you walk through this park you will see all nationalities, many different languages, it's a melting pot, it really is," said Westmont Park District Director Bob Flek. "I describe it as a Norman Rockwell painting in the park come to life. ""Whenever you come here you feel like home," said Ribfest attendee Woody Scherer.That's what keeps people coming back to Naperville's now iconic RibFest.That, and of course..."The ribs are awesome, the people are even better and the music's the bomb," said Ribfest attendee Alex Ivelik.Melissa Etheridge entertained the crowd before a moment of pause under fireworks to remember what America is all about.Have you ever wondered what it takes to make these celebrations go off without a hitch? ABC7 went behind the scenes for the big fireworks celebration in Itasca.Wynn Cramer has been setting up the fireworks show on the scene at Hamilton Lakes in Itasca for two decades. He's worked some of the biggest firework shows in the world with Melrose Pyrotechnics. He says this one ranks right up with the best as it's tightly choreographed and set to music.The annual show draws crowds from all over the Chicago area. "A lot of the town is drawn for economic development and clearly the more people that see this park and the Grade A park we have now that 390 is completed, it will help bring the tenants and crowds here," said Itasca Mayor Jeff Pruyn.The show also features live music before the fireworks. Fan started gathering to claim their spot early. The local band Maggie Speaks, is going to be joined by Fran Cosmo, the lead singer from the rock group Boston at this evening's show.While the music is sure to draw fans from all over, it is definitely the fireworks that are the star of the show. The split second timing is all automated from a board.Bob Kerns retired from Melrose earlier this year, but he continues to work on this show. And will see it in person for the first time this evening.The band starts around 8 p.m.Crowds lined the streets for Fourth of July parades across our area. That's also where the candidates for Illinois governor hoped to spread their messages to voters, months ahead of the November election.From West Suburban Aurora to Arlington Heights to Hyde Park in Chicago, everybody loves a parade, especially politicians during an election year.Like marching bands and beauty queens, a Fourth of July parade is never without politics. Governor Bruce Rauner was in Arlington Heights shaking hands with what appeared to be a Rauner-receptive crowd. "We are the greatest nation on earth because of our heroes, our veterans we celebrate our history tradition of freedom and opportunity," said Gov. Bruce Rauner.Celebrating freedom and opportunity with a democratic friendly crowd was Rauner's challenger JB Pritzker.<doc-sep>
July 4 means warm weather, patriotism and barbecuing. Oh, yeah, and fireworks. Lots of fireworks. One of the biggest displays is the Macy's 4th of July fireworks in New York City. This year, 50 pyrotechnicians will launch more than 75,000 shells into the air over the East River with thousands and thousands of onlookers. Here's what you need to know if you're headed into the city. ► HOT DOG:2018 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest ► VIDEOS, PHOTOS:Fourth of July 2018 fireworks: Yonkers, White Plains, Kensico Dam, more ►TRAIN TALES:These Metro-North riders celebrate Independence Day after NYC fireworks ► LIGHTNING:Lightning strike sends four to hospital When do the Macy's 4th of July fireworks start? The fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. But if you're headed down there, the city cautions to get there early. There are plenty of official viewing areas and some parks to take it all in on either side of the river, but those areas will fill up quickly. Where are the New York City fireworks this year? A few years ago, the fireworks flipped from the East River — between Manhattan and Brooklyn and Queens — to the Hudson, then back. This year, the fireworks are back over the East River and will be shot from barges floating between midtown and Long Island City and Greenpoint. How do I get there? Metro-North will be running a Sunday schedule. If you're driving, several portions of the FDR Drive will be closed, plus various streets in Queens. The full list can be found on the NYPD website. Macy's, which sponsors the display, cautions against driving. ► WEDNESDAY HOLIDAY: When is the real July 4 weekend? ►WACKY WESTCHESTER:Where the heck am I? ► PRIMARY UPSET:Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez takes heat for growing up in Westchester Where are the best places to see the fireworks? There are several official viewing points in Manhattan, plus parks in Queens and Brooklyn affording pretty good views. In Manhattan, they are at 18th Street and Avenue C, 23rd Street and FDR Drive, 34th Street and FDR Drive and 42nd Street and FDR Drive. The city also suggests heading to East River Park on the Lower East Side or Carl Schurz Park in the Upper East Side. In Brooklyn, potential viewing spots include Grand Ferry Park, East River State Park, Transmitter Park or Domino Park. In Queens, Gantry Plaza State Park or LIC Flea and Food. Macy's suggests avoiding Battery Park, Battery Park City, Roosevelt Island, Hunter's Point South Waterfront Park and Brooklyn Bridge Park to see the display. What can I bring? Macy's encourages viewers to leave blankets and chairs at home, as viewing areas will close as they fill up. Bags will not be premitted into the public viewing locations and spectators will be subject to search by teh NYPD. What's the weather going to be like? According to Accuweather, it's going to be hot and partly sunny most of the day, with temperatures in the mid-80's, but feeling much, much hotter. There are some thunderstorms in the forecast for the afternoon, but once the sun sets around 8:30 p.m. temperatures will drop into the low 80's without any precipitation in sight. Is it going to be on TV? Don't want to make the trip? You can watch from the comfort of your home. WNBC will be showing the fireworks, with the telecast starting at 8 p.m. More news ► CELEBRITIES:Film stars to billionaires, Hudson Valley is a mecca for the famous ► BILL MURRAY:Star's former home on the market; see 60 photos ► WHERE STARS LIVE:It's not just celebs like Bill Murray, rock star residents who make Rockland's Snedens Landing unique Twitter: @coynereports