New Yorkers marvel over Macys 'breathtaking' 2023 NYC fireworks show

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New Yorkers watched in awe Tuesday night as the Macy’s 47th annual Fourth of July fireworks show lit up the sky in a dazzling display of colors.

Crowds gathered along either side of the East River to get a view of the spectacular 25-minute extravaganza that featured 60,000 shells exploding into the night sky to celebrate Independence Day.

The show included a special tribute to Tina Turner and many who watched from Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City were particularly impressed by the golden display of explosions honoring the “Queen of Rock ‘N Roll,” who died in May at the age of 83.

Forest Hills resident Ginny Kaufman said the fireworks made for “a magical night.”

“I especially loved the ode to Tina Turner, who was my idol growing up,” Kaufman, 52, said. “That really personalized it for me, made it stand out from years past. Gold was her color, and it shined from horizon to horizon. I’m going to remember this one.”

Crowds gathered along either side of the East River to get a view of the spectacular 25-minute extravaganza that featured 60,000 shells exploding into the night sky to celebrate Independence Day. REUTERS
The special section of the Macy’s show featured Turner’s song “The Best” as thousands of shells cast the night sky in gold hues and cascading shimmer. AP

The special section of the Macy’s show featured Turner’s song “The Best” as thousands of shells cast the night sky in gold hues and cascading shimmer.

Ava Wang, of Long Island City, said she arrived two hours before the show’s 9:25 p.m. start time to secure a good viewing spot on the waterfront.

“The finale was amazing, breathtaking, with the gold in honor of Tina Turner,” the 29-year-old said. “Tina was definitely the draw for getting here early. They did her right.”

Tuesday’s fireworks display was Macy’s 47th annual Fourth of July show. John Angelillo/UPI/Shutterstock
The crowd was treated to live musical performances by Ashanti, LL Cool J and Bebe Rexha before the fireworks. REUTERS

Astoria resident Patrice Nell, 25, also found the Turner tribute the most noteworthy part of the show.

“She was a singular talent,” she said of the Grammy-award-winning singer. “I think the fireworks really did her justice because she was such a spark herself.”

The fireworks were set off after live musical performances by stars like Ashanti, LL Cool J and Bebe Rexha.

While earlier Fourth of July festivities like Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest on Coney Island were impacted by Tuesday’s stormy weather, the clouds parted just in time for the impressive show.

Fireworks explode over the East River during the 47th annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, as seen from the Empire State Building. Getty Images
People watch the Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks show over the Manhattan skyline in New York City, on July 4, 2023. AFP via Getty Images
While earlier Fourth of July festivities like Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest on Coney Island were impacted by Tuesday’s stormy weather, the clouds parted just in time for the impressive show. REUTERS

“It was really breathtaking. We had a perfect view,” Nell said. “The weather was a little iffy, but in the end, it turned out spectacularly.”

Wang also reveled in the happy aftermath.

“My ears will be ringing for hours, but it was worth it,” she said.

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