Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today announced the City's plan to commemorate Independence Day by lifting the restrictions on fireworks displays in New York City. The City of New York has not permitted any pyrotechnic displays since the terrorist attack of September 11th. Robin Hall, producer and director of Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular, Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta, and Councilman John Liu joined Mayor Bloomberg for the announcement at City Hall.

"For years, New York City has prominently celebrated America's independence and we will continue this significant tradition this Fourth of July by hosting Macy's annual fireworks spectacular," said Mayor Bloomberg. "We believe that the City will be ready for this type of display, which would have been inappropriate and disruptive in the months immediately following September 11th, and we will honor our Independence Day in a safe and festive manner. This administration is also working with Councilman John Liu and the Chinese American community to set up safe fireworks displays to celebrate Lunar New Year."

"The New York City Fire Department, which is responsible for ensuring compliance with existing regulations on the transportation and use of fireworks, will begin processing applications this week," added Commissioner Scoppetta.

"For 26 years Macy's Fireworks have taken the lead in the celebration of our nation's birthday," said Hall. "This show is the granddaddy of them all; the fireworks show against which all others are measured. Given what is going on in the world, this will be a very special year for our fireworks, because the true meaning of the celebration will resonate more with people. There is a surge of real patriotism in America, heroism has been redefined for many of us and liberty and freedom have a new immediacy."

On Thursday, July 4th, in a special tribute to the United States and in celebration of America's 226th birthday, Macy's will present its 26th annual fireworks extravaganza entitled, "A Time For Heroes." The 30-minute spectacular, which boasts state-of-the-art technology and an excess of 20,000 pyrotechnic shells, will occur from barges positioned in the East River.

Conceived and produced by Macy's, the show is conducted in tandem with Pyro Spectaculars by Souza of Rialto, CA, and Fireworks by Grucci of Brookhaven, and will be choreographed to an amazing score of patriotic songs as well as music by Cher, Celine Dion, and Broadway's brightest stars. The presentation will be broadcast nationally and the telecast will feature a star-studded line-up of celebrities who will narrate and reflect on the spirit of the United States.