Brooklyn, rejoice! Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks returning to East River once again

June 3, 2016 By Mary Frost Brooklyn Daily Eagle

The Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks will once again illuminate the skies over Brooklyn this year, with rockets blasting off from two locations in the East River. Shown: Last year’s fireworks spectacular lit up the skyline south of the Brooklyn Bridge. Photo by Mary Frost

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The Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks will once again illuminate the skies over Brooklyn this year, with rockets blasting off from two locations in the East River, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Friday.

In midtown, four barges will be positioned between 23rd and 37th streets. Further south, one double-barge will be located below the Brooklyn Bridge.

This marks the fireworks’ 40th anniversary – and will commemorate the nation’s 240th birthday. The show will begin at 9:25 p.m.

The display will feature more than 52,000 shells during a 25-minute “tightly choreographed spectacle,” according to the city. A patriotic score will be performed by the United States Air Force Band and singer Jennifer Holliday. Amy Kule, executive producer of the event for Macy’s, said the show “promises to be one for the record books.”

This will mark the third year since Mayor Bill de Blasio brought the fireworks back to the East River. Brooklyn pols from Downtown to Bay Ridge applauded the decision to fire the rockets of from a central location.

“The rockets’ red glare – among their many other terrific tints – will thankfully spend another Independence Day illuminating Brooklyn’s coastline along the East River, right where they belong,” Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams said in a statement.

“Again, Mayor de Blasio and Macy’s have ensured three boroughs will get a front row seat to the fireworks this 4th of July,” said state Senator Daniel Squadron, who was an early advocate for returning the fireworks to the East River. “I’m thrilled to have worked with the Mayor and Macy’s to bring the biggest fireworks show in the country back to the East River – for a third year in a row. Here’s to many more!”

Assembly Assistant Speaker Felix Ortiz added, “Red Hook, Sunset Park and Bay Ridge offer wonderful views of the July 4 fireworks. The Brooklyn waterfront is a great place to spend July 4 and to end the day with the nation’s best fireworks. Make your plans to be there.”

Spectators are encouraged to enjoy the full experience by tuning in to radio station 1010 WINS-AM to hear the musical score to which the show is choreographed.

For more information visit www.macys.com/fireworks or call the Macy’s Fireworks Hotline at 212-494-4495.