NEW YORK — Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks extravaganza was held Thursday night on Manhattan’s West Side, for the first time in over ten years across the Hudson River.
The show was bigger and better than ever, with fireworks and drones lighting up the sky.
Hours earlier, people had formed long lines along barriers on the West Side Highway, waiting in the heat for the best view.
Priyaka Joseph comes to the Manhattan show every year with her mother, Emily Joseph, but this Independence Day was particularly special.
“I am a single mother and I cherish this beautiful moment with her. And this year I am an American citizen, so I am so proud to be here,” said Emily Joseph.
The Muscolinos decided to celebrate their wedding anniversary by reliving the big day along the Hudson.
“We got married on the Fourth of July 25 years ago and it was 104 degrees, so this is better,” said Bronx resident Angela Valente-Muscolino.
Spectators on the other side of the Hudson was also able to enjoy the show from Hoboken, New Jersey.
“I was born and raised here in Hoboken, so it’s nice to have them back, right by the waterfront, where they belong. It’s been a long, long time, and it was a great pleasure growing up as kids and seeing them here, right by the waterfront,” said Hoboken resident Tylor Goult.
More fireworks over the Hudson in Jersey City
Elsewhere along the Hudson, it was a day of festivities in Jersey City.
The festivities started with a street festival with more than 75 stalls.
Security was tight, with hundreds of police officers and sniffer dogs stationed on street corners and cordoned off.
This year, some of hip-hop’s biggest names took to the waterfront stage to add to the festivities, including Fat Joe and Wyclef Jean.
Tens of thousands of people went to the waterfront to reserve a spot for the fireworks.
“It was beautiful. The Freedom Tower in the middle of the exhibit made it even more spectacular,” said Marlboro resident Joni Stern. “It was very American. Very red, white and blue. Happy faces. Everybody was happy. The energy here was just incredible.”
The city’s biggest party went off without a hitch.
Ali Bouwman
