The American silver screen will set the scene for this year’s most spectacular Independence Day celebration, the 43rd Annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks. The nation’s largest 4th of July event will make a magical return to the world-famous Brooklyn Bridge to present an incomparable display of light, sound, shape and color, this year, honoring classic American Cinema. On Thursday, July 4th, at approximately 9:20 p.m, millions of spectators lining the waterways near the lower East River and millions more on television nationwide will be captivated by the stunning display of patriotic firepower, as Macy’s Fireworks launch more than 70,000 shells and effects from the bridge and from four barges positioned along the shores of Pier 17 at the Seaport District.
“There is nothing more exciting on the 4th of July than gathering with friends and family to see a world-class fireworks spectacle, and this year’s Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks will deliver a jaw-dropping display that will be rumble in the imagination for years to come,” said Susan Tercero, executive producer of Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks. “With the iconic Brooklyn Bridge as our centerpiece and four barges lining the East River, we will launch an unprecedented barrage of color, light, sounds and shapes that will delight millions as they hum along to a patriotic and stirring musical score celebrating our Independence and landmark cinematic achievements.”
The 43rd edition of Macy’s Fireworks is conceived, designed and produced by Macy’s with Pyro Spectaculars by Souza. Perfectly orchestrated to synchronize to the musical score, the 25-minute display will feature a host of new shells and effects in 28 colors including crackling rain shells, patriotic chasing crossettes, howling wolves, screaming dragons, silver twisters, diamond screamers and a dramatic 1,600-foot waterfall.
The musical score is the basis for the fireworks choreography and this year it features patriotic classics such as “America the Beautiful” and “Stars & Stripes Forever,” along with world-famous instrumentals from classic American films. From John Williams’ famed title compositions for “Star Wars,” “Superman” and “E.T.” to Max Steiner’s “Casablanca Suite” and Alfred Newman’s “20th Century Fox Fanfare;” audiences will be humming along to the score as the fireworks paint the night sky in perfect synchronicity.
With MGM’s The Wizard of Oz turning 80 this year, Macy’s Fireworks pre-recorded score will also feature Oscar and Grammy Award winning artist Jennifer Hudson performing its most beloved song “Over the Rainbow.” The tribute will mark the show’s visual and emotional centerpiece. A host of rainbow-colored effects will be launched from the Brooklyn Bridge and barges including a fan, falling leaves, waterfall and a mile-wide rainbow accented golden crackling kamuro wall. The song will also serve as the backdrop for Macy’s famed Golden Mile. This signature of Macy’s Fireworks lights the skyline with a mesmerizing array of golden-hued effects for a mile across the river and from 800-feet in the air to the water’s edge.
No Independence Day celebration would be complete without a special tribute to the men and women of the U.S.Armed Forces who work tirelessly to defend and protect our freedoms. In addition to the patriotic tribute during the Macy’s Fireworks display, this year, Macy’s and its customers nationwide will come together for a charitable roundup program to support active duty military, veterans and military families.
During “Macy’s Salutes Those Who Serve” campaign, which kicks off Monday, July 1 and runs through Thursday, July 18, Macy’s shoppers are invited to round up their purchase amount to the nearest dollar (up to $.99) and donate the change. One hundred percent of the donations will benefit two veteran and military family focused organizations: Blue Star Families and Bunker Labs. These charities focus on a number of programs that support current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families, providing access to career development, caregiver support, entrepreneurship and business growth opportunities, among other services.