Photo: Sarah J. Blige
When I first read that this years Fourth of July fireworks show would be in the Hudson River, rather than the East River, its home for the last eight years, I rubbed my eyes and hoped I was dreaming. Unfortunately, I wasn’t and the Associated Press, Brooklyn Paper, Brooklyn Vegan and countless other NY news sources felt the need to remind me. I can honestly say that, while this may not seem like a huge deal, it is a massive blow to the North Brooklyn community, as there truly isn’t a better vantage point to view the Macy’s Firework’s display than the Brooklyn waterfront. Not only is it a phenomenal spectacle which residents look forward to, but it also brings visitors to Williamsburg and Greenpoint, many who support local restaurants and bars while waiting for the show to start.
Greenpoint resident Colin Tarpey said “It’s a shame the fireworks display won’t be visible from the Brooklyn waterfront, as it brings a lot of first time visitors to our lovely neighborhood, people who may not have discovered it any other way.” Tarpey also noted that the event “is a real treat for Greenpoint residents who are used to seeing the sky lit up with the blue phosphorescent glow of the New Town Creek Water Treatment Center.”
Unfortunately for Mr. Tarpey and other North Brooklyn residents, the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s voyage down his namesake river into New York harbor, will rid the North Brooklyn sky of illuminated firework displays, in favor of the Hudson River, which began hosting the event in 1958. The East River has been the home to the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Display since 2000. Keep your fingers crossed that Macy’s decides to move the event back to the East River next year.
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