NEW YORK—America is celebrating 235 years of independence today. The fireworks display is usually the top attraction of this national holiday. However, plenty of other events are also taking place across the city to celebrate the birth of our nation, including flyovers by F-15 Eagle jets and the NYPD Aviation Unit helicopters.
As the spirit of independence sweeps the nation, one of the founding fathers, John Adams, offered these words to those who want to celebrate in style: “It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”
Whatever it is you choose to do today, let’s not forget that the United States is the longest-functioning constitutional democracy in the world. Thus, today we celebrate not only the freedom of our nation, but also the freedoms it provides to its citizens.
July 4th Events
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks
The fireworks can be viewed from any spot in the city with an unobstructed view of the Hudson River. For the best views, Macy’s advises spectators to go to 12th Avenue below 59th Street at the following access points along 11th Avenue: 24th Street, 26th-30th streets, 34th Street, 40th–44th streets, 47th-52nd streets, and 54th-57th streets.
Those looking for a less obstructed view can book a boat cruise with the Water Taxi ($100, 212-742-1969); The Jewel ($150, 212-288-1975); or the Clipper City ($350, 212-518-4604).
Rooftop events are available at Hudson Terrace (621 W. 46th St., 212-315-9400); Press Lounge at Ink48 (653 11th Ave., 212-757-2224); and The Sky Room at the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Times Square (330 W. 40th St., 212-380-1195).
Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest
Come out and support New York City’s own Tim Janus, who is coming into the contest with the best personal high score of 45 hot dogs. Mayor Michael Bloomberg officiated the weigh-in ceremony on Friday. “It is a moment for all New Yorkers and all Americans to celebrate the inaliable rights bestowed on us by our forefathers: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. For the contestants assembled here that pursuit contains consuming as many hot dogs as is humanly possible. And each year, you should know, they push the limits of what is humanly possible,” he said.
For the best view of the contest, arrive by 11 a.m. The noon contest is only one of Coney Island’s attractions this 4th of July, as the weather is set to be perfect for a day at the beach, the boardwalk, or the amusement park.
Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs
1310 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn
The July 4th Marathon
With no official sponsors or organizers, this holiday’s marathon is for beginners and enthusiasts alike. “There are no cut-off times or qualifications,” according to the event description, and you can run a marathon, a half marathon, a marathon relay, or a 10-kilometer course. The course is set deep in the beautiful Bronx woods and is the only trail marathon in New York City.
Van Cortland Park in the Bronx
Contact: [email protected]
