What’s Up With Viewing the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks This Year from Astoria and LIC

Earlier this year we learned that the Macy’s 4th of July fireworks extravaganza was moving back to the East River, and the idea of that was very exciting, especially for those of us that remember the awesome views from years past at Gantry Plaza State Park’s pier. And while the return to the East River is a welcome move, in Queens it won’t be that spectacular a sight, unfortunately.

The fireworks are happening down at mid-Brooklyn’s waterfront, by the Brooklyn Bridge. It will be a treat for lower Manhattan and Brooklyn; Staten Island and parts of New Jersey will also probably have some nice views.

Here in Queens, if you can find yourself high enough up—top of a tall building, say—we’re guessing you’ll have somewhat of a view. Other possible options might be Gantry Park Pier in LIC. Roosevelt Island will not be a designated viewing place, and Four Freedoms Park will be closed (the irony). Macy’s suggests these locations for viewing.

Places in Western Queens that stick out in our minds—the aforementioned tall buildings, which include perhaps Shore Towers in Astoria and all the waterfront high-rises in LIC. Also the taller hotels in Dutch Kills. Brooklyn Grange might also be a good place.

As for why Macy’s decided to do the show at this location in the city, a commenter on the Roosevelt Islander blog shares this insight:

According to the Macys July 4th web site, the fireworks will center on the Brooklyn Bridge in celebration of the return of the fireworks to the E. River. The idea is the area of Lower Manhattan, Brooklyn Heights, and so forth, is where NYC started, with the Brooklyn Bridge eventually linking the two urban areas. Also, it’s the 200th Anniversary of “The Star Spangled Banner” – so the musical acts will focus on patriotic themes this year.

So there you have it. We’re feeling especially fortunate this year to have seen the Astoria Park Independence fireworks earlier this week. Of course, if you have any viewing-from-Queens tips, we welcome them! Leave us a tweet or a comment.

One Comment

Alice July 4th, 2014

Don’t like this location that was selected. Doesn’t feel like the focal point of NYC. Perhaps moving it from 59th street to the Manhattan Bridge would be more visible for all the counties. It’s also has the barges in a line for a better display. I would even opt for having it on the Hudson again. The 2014 location feels like a special request just for the mayor because of where he lives.

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