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Macy's And Mayor de Blasio Announce That The 38th Annual Macy's 4th Of July Fireworks Will Again Light The NYC Skyline As The Nation's Largest Independence Day Display Returns To The East River

April 14, 2014

Video is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9CjQVI586s&feature=share

The pyrotechnic spectacle will be launched from the world-famous Brooklyn Bridge and from barges positioned on the lower East River 

NEW YORK—Macy’s and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced today that on Friday, July 4th, a national historic landmark will set a dramatic stage for dazzling pyrotechnics as the 38th Annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® return to the East River. Set to deliver the nation’s largest display of patriotic firepower and ready to dazzle more than 3 million spectators and millions more on television nationwide, Macy’s Fireworks this year will be launched from the world-famous Brooklyn Bridge and from barges positioned on the lower East River.

“We’re grateful to Macy’s for lighting our skyline every 4th of July—and I’m thrilled that, after years of working with Macy’s and my colleagues to make this a reality, the fireworks will return to the East River this year!” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Now even more New Yorkers will get to take part in this extraordinary celebration, against the backdrop of the Brooklyn Bridge, the harbor, and our skyline.”

“Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks are a one-of-a-kind spectacle that will once again inspire audiences nationwide as we illuminate the shores of lower Manhattan and Brooklyn with stunning effects, color and sound,” said Amy Kule, Executive Producer of Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks. “We are thrilled to be working with our partners in the City of New York to have the magnificent Brooklyn Bridge as our canvas and stunning backdrop for this year’s bigger-than-life display.” 

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said, “For New Yorkers, there is no better place to commemorate the hard-fought independence of the United States than on the shores of the East River, with the lower Manhattan skyline illuminated by the brilliant lights of Macy’s annual July 4th fireworks celebration. I would like to thank Mayor de Blasio and all of the other advocates who worked to make sure our residents and local businesses are able to partake in this year’s celebration of the freedom that we hold so dear.”

“What could be more ‘quintessentially New York’ than having the Brooklyn Bridge—one of our most iconic local landmarks—lit up by the glow of fireworks on the 4th of July?  Bringing this display back to the East River will ensure millions of New Yorkers in the outer boroughs can enjoy this celebration,” Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez said.

“The rockets’ red glare, amongst their many other dazzling colors, will return to the East River this 4th of July. This is a smart economic decision that Borough Hall has long pursued, one that will stimulate businesses on our waterfront. Kudos to Mayor de Blasio and Macy’s for making this spectacular show possible for more New Yorkers to enjoy,” said Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams.

Queens Borough President Melinda Katz said, “The Macy’s Fireworks on the 4th of July has become an integral part of the fabric of New York. On behalf of the 2.3 million people who reside in Queens we welcome this announcement by our Mayor and look forward to the return of this great event to the East River.”

“This year, New York’s 4th of July show will now be a celebration more New Yorkers can be part of,” said State Senator Daniel Squadron. “I'm pleased to have been able to work with Public Advocate de Blasio and, more fruitfully, Mayor de Blasio and Macy’s to bring the fireworks back to the East River. I look forward to enjoying the show with millions more New Yorkers in more boroughs for years to come.” 

Senator Martin Golden said, “I thank Mayor Bill de Blasio, and his administration, for their efforts in bringing back the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks back to the East River. I can already see the crowds of folks gathered along the Shore Road, and along the Brooklyn waterfront, to celebrate our nation’s Independence Day. One of New York’s greatest traditions is back where it belongs on the East River.”

Assemblyman Joe Lentol, Chairman of the New York State Assembly Brooklyn Delegation, said, “I know a lot of New York families, especially kids, who are going to be very happy this 4th of July.  The fireworks will burst with beauty and awe, thrilling many families from New York’s boroughs—giving them a free evening of fun and joy right in their own neighborhoods.  It’s how it should be!”

Assemblyman Felix Ortiz said, “From Red Hook and Sunset Park to Bay Ridge, residents of the 51st Assembly District waterfront will be able to enjoy fireworks once again on July 4th. Thanks to Mayor de Blasio and Macy’s for bringing the show back to Brooklyn.”

Councilmember Stephen Levin said, “Fireworks on the East River are a tradition that New Yorkers are excited to welcome back and I am looking forward to this year’s festivities. I want to thank Macy's and Mayor de Blasio for working together to bring fireworks back to the East River.”
“After years of advocating to bring the Macy’s 4th of July fireworks back to the East River, I am delighted to hear they will make their return this summer,” said City Council Majority Leader Jimmy Van Bramer. “I have fought alongside Mayor de Blasio since he was the Public Advocate to help make this a reality. When he was Public Advocate, Mayor de Blasio and I met with Macy’s executives and discussed the countless benefits of bringing one of New York City’s most spectacular events back to the East River where many more New Yorkers would be able to enjoy them. I congratulate the Mayor for giving this effort the last push it needed and giving thousands of more New Yorkers the opportunity to see the show.”

Councilmember Vincent Gentile said, “Macy’s Annual 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular is a classic New York City tradition. And it’s high time the city put the fireworks back where they belong where the most New Yorkers can actually enjoy them—right here on the Brooklyn-Queens waterfront along the East River. Now not only will the fireworks once again light up our iconic skyline, but local businesses will enjoy an economic spark. I thank Mayor de Blasio and Macy’s for making America’s largest 4th of July celebration a citywide celebration.”

Councilmember Costa Constantinides said, “I am excited to have the Independence Day fireworks back above the East River.  The over 4 million residents of Queens and Brooklyn will again have the opportunity to see the fireworks from their home boroughs. This is also an economic boon to Astoria, Long Island City, and other neighborhoods along the East River waterfront as visitors will bring activity to the area during the holiday weekend. I look forward to experiencing the fireworks from my district this coming 4th of July and I commend Mayor de Blasio for this accomplishment.”
Since 1976, Macy’s Fireworks have grown in scale and artistry as they burst to life over many of New York City’s waterways and neighborhoods. Incorporating landmarks and milestones is a Macy’s Fireworks signature. Macy’s last showcased the Brooklyn Bridge in its fireworks spectacle in 1995. This year’s creative presentation of the bridge’s renowned architecture will reach new heights of imagination during the 25-minute display. Amy Kule added, “We’ve had our eye set to feature this world-famous landmark in our show for many years and with the advancements in pyrotechnic technology and artistry, we expect to create jaw-dropping effects that will delight millions of spectators as this quintessential New York icon joins the 4th of July party.”

The 38th annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks will fire more than 40,000 pyrotechnic shells and effects during the expertly synchronized display. Pyro Spectaculars by Souza is once again at the helm of the pyrotechnics positioned on barges spanning the Manhattan Bridge south towards the shores of the South Street Seaport and Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Macy’s explosive spectacle is made possible in part by Cracker Jack®, Kool-Aid®, Planters®, and is presented in partnership with the City of New York. Revelers lining viewing locations 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.  Spectators from coast-to-coast will also have a front row view of the pyro in the sky by tuning to NBC’s national broadcast of “Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular” (check local listings). In addition to the pyrotechnics, the 4th of July’s most popular entertainment special will feature performances from the nation’s hottest musical acts.
For more information on the 38th annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, please visit www.macys.com/fireworks or call the Macy’s Fireworks Hotline at (212) 494-4495. Full 2014 information will be available as of June 2014. 

About Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks are the nation’s largest 4th of July pyrotechnic display. Produced by Macy’s and designed in conjunction with Pyro Spectaculars by Souza of Rialto, CA, Macy’s Fireworks are a digitally-synchronized display of firepower that is choreographed to a rousing popular music and patriotic score. Annually fired from various locations across New York City, Macy’s Fireworks features shells from all over the world. Seen by more than 3 million spectators and millions of viewers nationwide, Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks have become the nation’s premiere 4th of July celebration event.

For Macy’s media materials, please visit our online pressroom at www.macys.com/pressroom.

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