Festive Fireworks on Deck For Tonight

If you're planning on watching Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular in person or on TV, there are some fun new fireworks this year. Pyro Spectaculars, the company that designs the fireworks, will be using nautical mines in the show.

Nautical mines are actually fired down at the water, instead of up in the air. Executive producer Robin Hall explained that they "explode on the surface of the water, where the fragments will remain illuminated for a few seconds before fading out." As for how barges are packed with fireworks, check out this Post story, which also has good photos.

Another interesting fact: Fireworks displays have been designed to take advantage of wider formats on high-definition TVs. The Macy's show's theme this year is "In Our Children's Eyes," a look at the show from a child's perspective. Here's more info.

Photograph of jellyfish fireworks from Pyro Spectaculars

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Chung in News on July 4, 2007 4:36 PM

Comments [rss]

David McCaffredy

Not to complain about a free show - but where were these "nautical mines" everyone was freaking out about? It all looked the same to me except for the jellyfish explosions. Those were cool.

guest

too many poor blacks and puerto ricans at the FDR today. Next year I'll know better.

guest

better get going now, the rain probably scared off a lot of late comers.

guest

Do what I do . Watch it from the roof of a friends building . You avoid the hassles of the traffic, & fighting to find the best viewing sites . Posted by; "Still Not Amused"

RatherBeBiking

"I too would like fireworks viewing tips"

1. Open eyes

2. Look

3. Blink when necessary

Note - 'ooooos' and 'ahhhhs' are not necessary but can be a nice supplement to what you are seeing.

Hope that helps!

guest

I go to the FDR 7/4 fireworks crowd whenever possible. Perhaps it doesn't suit everyone's taste; but for me, I like the crowd. Its a real NY down home folks crowd with kids in tow etc. I have experienced the occassional annoyances of one jerk or another over the years but all in all its worth it. All those faces you usually pass annonymously on the street are suddenly bound together with the AHHS and OOOS of the fireworks display. And the crown often laughs at itself for the same reason! Plus, the fireworks are going off right over your head and you can feel the explosions in your belly. I have sometimes opted for a roof on occassion and been disappointed by the distance after having the FDR get as close as possible experience. OK. Thats my 2 cents.

MaiaW

Thanks. Don't know about the FDR, but knowing from the Brooklyn style your best bet is to get out there as soon as possible for a good location...it gets pretty crowded pretty quick.

JKinNYC

I too would like fireworks viewing tips

Alex

They just said on the news that they'll have a rain delay only if there are thunderstorms. The show is waterproof.

Anyone have any tips for watching it from the FDR?

MaiaW

Anyone know if there's any chance the fireworks will get rained out? It's supposed to thunderstorm on and off tonight and they didn't say anything about it on the Macy's fireworks hotline...