NEW YORK (AP/WCBS 880) — After a year lost to the coronavirus, New York City’s most well-known Fourth of July traditions are back.
The traditional Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks show will return in full form with a display over the East River, with shells being shot from five barges in a televised, choreographed spectacle.
This year, crowds will be welcome to gather at viewing areas in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens. The fireworks begin around 9:30 p.m. While a shower can’t be ruled out during the show, it looks mainly dry with temps around 70 degrees, according to AccuWeather.
The show will be broadcast live on NBC as part of a two-hour special featuring the Black Pumas, Coldplay, OneRepublic and Reba McEntire. The performers’ appearances were pre-recorded from around the country in front of live audiences.
Last year, because of pandemic restrictions, there were a series of shorter fireworks shows in the days leading up to the holiday, with the locations kept secret in advance to keep people from congregating.
The annual spectacle of gluttony that is the Nathan’s Famous July Fourth hot dog eating contest also once again welcomed live audiences to watch the epic chowdown in Coney Island.
Joey “Jaws” Chestnut topped his own record by downing 76 franks and buns in 10 minutes in the men’s competition, while Michelle Lesco took the women’s title by eating 30 3/4 hot dogs and buns.
There were no spectators allowed last year as Chestnut ate a then-record 75 wieners and buns.
Landmarks around the state, from One World Trade Center to Niagara Falls, were to be lit in red, white and blue to mark Independence Day. Among the other locations being lit up in New York City are Grand Central Terminal, the Kosciuszko Bridge and the East End Gateway at Penn Station.
“If the last 16 months has reaffirmed anything, it’s how precious life is and how vital liberty is to our identity as New Yorkers and Americans,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a statement.
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