As the Fourth of July approaches, preparations are in full swing for New York City's renowned Macy's Fireworks Show. Crews are diligently working to ensure that this year's event is nothing short of spectacular.
On Monday, over 60 licensed pyro technicians were busy wiring and loading tens of thousands of shells, ready to illuminate the skyline with vibrant colors and explosive effects.
"This show is a year of planning and creative development in the making," remarked Will Coss, the executive producer. "But this next couple of days, and this week leading into the 4th of July, is our most important one."
Celebrating its 49th year, the show promises to deliver surprises that will captivate audiences. "There are going to be some fireworks that have never been seen before," said show designer Gary Souza, showcasing a model firework named "Morning Glory."
Souza elaborated on the unique features of this shell, explaining how it bursts into sparkling white before transforming into popcorn crackles. "These pistols are tentacles come down from below," he demonstrated.
This year also marks a significant milestone for New York City, celebrating its 400th birthday. Producers have creatively integrated the iconic Brooklyn Bridge into the fireworks display. "We are adding the element of the Brooklyn Bridge in addition to the magical fireworks and aerial shells," Souza noted.
With over 30,000 effects planned to launch from the bridge and along its cables, the 25-minute show will be a visual feast. The performance will be synchronized to a musical score that highlights America's enduring spirit, featuring patriotic hits from various decades.
"We're going to be projecting beautiful imagery that complements the story that we're telling in the score," Coss added. "So when you have these big moments, there's going to be some big, beautiful, colorful arts that will be projected onto the bridge."
The grand finale, dubbed the "Macy's Golden Mile," is designed to leave a lasting impression on viewers. "It's very strategically planned out in order to pull off an operation like this in this limited amount of time," Souza explained.
The televised celebration begins at 8 p.m., featuring performances by artists such as the Jonas Brothers, Eric Church, Lenny Kravitz, Ava Max, Keke Palmer, and Trisha Yearwood. Fireworks are set to commence around 9:25 p.m., creating a stunning display against the summer sky.
For those wishing to experience the event in person, New York City is offering 100,000 free tickets for designated viewing areas in Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan. Tickets will be available starting Tuesday at 8:30 a.m.
With excitement building for this year's show, New Yorkers and visitors alike are gearing up for an unforgettable celebration of independence and community.
