This 4th of July is no doubt going to be different than years past, but luckily New York has begun reopening so there are plenty of ways to have safe summer fun to celebrate this year. For instance, Macy’s annual 4th of July fireworks celebration will reach all five boroughs — including Staten Island — for the first time this summer, all while ensuring social distancing and the audiences’ safety.
The signature fireworks show will be produced as a series of unannounced five-minute displays across New York City from Monday, June 29 through Saturday, July 4. Each display will end before large crowds have the opportunity to form. With the fireworks reaching heights of about 1,000 feet, the goal is for New Yorkers to be able to enjoy the week-long spectacle from home.
“These five-minute surprise displays will showcase Macy’s signature pyrotechnic design and scale, while encouraging spectators to continue following safety and social distancing measures. The multiple location spectacle will culminate with a full-scale television presentation of Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, capturing the spirit of the city for all New Yorkers and the nation to enjoy, choreographed to a rousing score, and featuring the nation’s best musical performances,” Susan Tercero, executive producer of Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, said in a press release.
You can also watch the fireworks on TV during NBC’s national broadcast of Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular from 8-10pm. The special will feature performances from some of the country’s top musical acts, a compilation of the spectacular fireworks from the week, and a live grand finale. Visit macys.com/fireworks for more information.
The 110th annual Travis Fourth of July Parade, one of the the longest running parades in the U.S. will take place this July 4th, with regulations in place to ensure the safety of spectators. The parade will consist of a caravan of members driving the parade route in their decorated cars with the Travis Oceanic Firehouse bringing up the rear.
The parade ceremony starts at noon in front of P.S.26 and steps off at 12:30 in front of Showplace. All access roads into Travis including the Victory Blvd exit off Route 440 will be closed at 11:30 a.m.
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Virtual 4th of July Events
Historic Richmond Town Independence Day Celebration
WHEN: July 4, Throughout the day
WHERE: Historic Richmond Town Facebook Page
WHAT: Join a reading of the Declaration of Independence by Staten Island youth, a virtual pie baking demonstration and tour of the Guyon-Lake Tysen Farmhouse, and host your own pinwheel parade with a craft activity for youth and families.
WANT TO GO? Free. Join via Facebook live.
Kids Club: Crayola CIY Crafts—4th of July Crafts
WHEN: July 3, 4pm
WHERE: Michaels Stores via Zoom
WHAT: Make a 4th of July Wreath, Construction Paper Beads, and Salt Painting Fireworks!
WANT TO GO? Free. Advanced registration required. See supplies list.
Celebrate July 4th @ Home
WHEN: July 4, 10am-3pm
WHERE: New-York Historical Society Online
WHAT: NYHS has a whole day’s worth of programming planned, including a speech by Frederick Douglass delivered by historical interpreter Joel Cook, a deep dive into Jackie Robinson’s legacy of activism with the Jackie Robinson Museum, and sing-alongs that give voice to struggles and hopes throughout American history.
WANT TO GO? Free. Advanced registration required.
July 4 with the National Archives
WHEN: July 4, 11am-4pm
WHERE: National Archives Online
AGE: All
WHAT: The National Archives will lift the words of the Declaration of Independence off of its well-worn parchment paper and bring them to homes across the country online, while providing a host of educational activities for the whole family.
WANT TO GO? Free. Register online.
Feeling crafty? Check out some fun Fourth of July crafts to do with kids here.
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