Don’t bring any backpacks, large blankets, seats, umbrellas, and no alcohol if you're going to enter access points.

h. nazan ışık—

1 July 2021—

Are you ready for the Fourth of July fireworks?  Definitely last year everything, including the Macy’s regular fireworks show, was different than what we were used to. But this year get ready for it.

 © h. nazan ışık / NKENdiKEN

Mayor Bill de Blasio announced today at a press conference that the Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks show is back, full force.  “We want to make sure it goes well. We want to make sure people are safe in every way. There will be dedicated viewing areas. There’ll be street closures, lots of precautions being taken by the NYPD to make sure everyone is safe, And I want you to hear about these plans from  Chief of Patrol Juanita Holmes:”  he said.

Chief of Patrol Juanita Holmes, NYPD: “Our Fourth of July celebration was unprecedented for being scaled back to basically a virtual event. Well, this year is different. Today, at long last, we are ready for a real celebration to come together with other fellow New Yorkers and have a good time.”  

And she continued “it is important for New Yorkers to know at this time, there are absolutely no credible threats regarding the Fourth of July fireworks celebration. (…) Beyond our uniform officers, we will also have some plain clothes officers out there and other protective resources that will remain unseen. Additional support will come from our canine teams, the bomb squad, emergency service unit, the harbor patrol with our many vessels deployed throughout the waterways, as well as our aviation keeping a watchful eye from above.”

And reminded that It’s going to be very difficult to get around the city between 2:00 PM and 2:00 AM : ‘“Something different this year,  we’re actually stopping vehicular traffic on the Williamsburg Bridge as well as the 59th Street ed Koch Bridge. So, just so that you can be aware of that.

She encourages people not to come out too early, because NYPD will start to shut down traffic at 2:00 PM, and closures will go into effect at 3:00 PM. Fireworks are scheduled to start at six – at 9:30. Therefore at 6:30 is when people will be allowed access to these particular entry points. Viewing areas will include the FDR Drive from 14th Street to 51st Street.

Entry points: 14th Street, 23rd Street, 34th Street, 48th Street, and 31st Street. 

“There will be detectors there, metal detectors. Everyone will be searched at these particular access points. You’re not allowed to bring any backpacks, large blankets, seats, umbrellas, and no alcohol if you’re going to enter these access points.Of course, we want you to stay hydrated, but please no alcohol,” she said. 

Chief Holmes: “There will be strong deployment, but not to enforce masks. Most people are fascinated and those that feel uncomfortable are welcome to wear masks if they like it, but that’s not what we’re going to be there for.

“We just want everyone to come out and have a great time. NYPD will be there. So, please come on out, be safe, enjoy the events.”

Make sure NO ANY BACKPACKS, NO LARGE BLANKETS, NO SEATS, NO UMBRELLAS, AND NO ALCOHOL (just water)!