Macy’s Plans to Launch 60,000 Fireworks From Barges Along the East River

Independence Day July 4, 2023

Starting at 8 p.m. on July 4th, people can view the fireworks either on Peacock on NBC

-Madeline Fitzgerald

For almost 50 years, New York City’s Fourth of July fireworks have been put on by Macy’s – the department store first started the tradition to celebrate the country’s bicentennial in 1976. 

This year, to mark Independence Day, Macy’s is planning on launching 60,000 firework shells from barges along the East River. 
There are more than two miles of public viewing space that will be cordoned off for those who want to watch the fireworks in person. The NYPD will oversee official spaces to view the fireworks along the waterfront in Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens. 

But if you’re not in New York or simply prefer a more private celebration there are also ways to watch the fireworks at home. 

Starting at 8 p.m. on July 4th, people can view the fireworks either on Peacock or on NBC. 

Peacock is NBC Universal’s streaming service and it is available starting at $4.99 a month. 

“America’s celebration of the summer will be jam-packed with serious star power, electrifying performances and heart-pounding pyrotechnics,” according to the official website for the firework show. 

Macy’s hasn’t announced the celebrity performances yet but they did confirm that composer Ray Chew will be overseeing the evening’s music. 

Additionally, there will be performances by the U.S. Army Field Band, according to the event website. The Army Field Band consists of active duty service members, who regularly perform for audiences in the U.S. and other countries. 

Sergeant Kyra Dorn will sing “God Bless America” during a medley of patriotic songs. Sergeants Nicholas Feemster and Lamar Riddick will also perform – Feemster has composed a rap called “From Sea to Shining Sea” for the occasion. 

https://themessenger.com/news/heres-how-to-watch-the-2023-macys-fourth-of-july-fireworks