EMBED >More News Videos CeFaan Kim reports live from Long Island City as many wait to watch Macy's 4th of July Fireworks. NEW YORK (WABC) -- Billed as the nation's most extravagant Fourth of July fireworks show, the 42nd Annual Macy's 4th of July Fireworks dazzled the New York City skyline with more than 75,000 shells.The sparkling, booming spectacle of the Macy's fireworks show painted New York's skies with patriotic pride as thousands upon thousands of people watched along the city's East River.CeFaan Kim was live in Long Island City to speak with firework spectators.With seven barges stationed on the East River, visibility was best for those in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens. Jersey residents instead relied on Jersey City's fireworks to light up the Hudson ----------<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<doc-sep>
The Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular is the biggest pyrotechnics display in the USA and we’ve got all the details on how you can see it, both in person and on TV. There’s no fireworks display in the nation than can rival the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular in New York City. 72,000 shells are launched from seven barges along the East River that light up the iconic NYC skyline, the Statue of Liberty and more. There will be so many fireworks as over 3,000 shells will go up per minute! Over three million people are estimated to be watching the display in person while millions at home can enjoy it from the NBC telecast of the 42nd annual celebration when the fireworks go off at approximately 9:25pm EST. We’ve got all the details on how you can get the best view, no matter where you are in America. This year’s show will include 20 new pyrotechnics including neon pinwheels and pulsing hearts, swirling water fountains, and brocade horse tails. For New Yorkers, there are plenty of rooftop viewing parties but if you’re among the masses who don’t have access, Gothamist put together a list of public places that are best to watch the display. The FDR Drive will be closed between the Brooklyn Bridge and East 63rd Street for people to settle in and watch the fireworks. From the other side of the river the site recommends Gantry Plaza State Park and Hunter’s Point South Park. If you’re not in the Big Apple, NBC is airing the 42nd Annual Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular starting at 8pm EST/CST. The show will feature performances by Blake Shelton, Ricky Martin, Keith Urban, and Kelly Clarkson, who will be singing “God Bless America” to celebrate the song’s 100th anniversary. Fortunately for the stars they pre-taped their performances in advance and won’t have to deal with the heat dome parked over the Eastern Seaboard, as temps are expected to be well into the 90’s and upwards of 100 degrees on the Fourth of July in NYC. You can watch the show live online on NBC by clicking here.