July 4th Events in New York City

New York City is a big city, but knows how to keep tradition on the 4th of July. There are backyard barbecues and people that picnic in the park or on the beach. On the 4th of July, New York City seems to take on a small town flavor as local neighborhoods host July 4th parades and veterans and other civic associations march proudly. However, there are two main events that capture the interest of everyone in the City. One takes place in Coney Island at Nathan's, with the Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest. The other is the Macy's Fireworks Show that takes place after sunset in several places along the East River in Manhattan.

The Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest has grown over the years and has attracted contestants from all over the world. It takes place at 12:00 noon in Coney Island, Brooklyn and can be seen on CNN and some other cable news outlets. Coney Island and July 4th seem to go hand in hand. If you live in the City, a subway ride brings you almost to the door of Nathan's.

The Macy's Fireworks are the signature event of July 4th in New York. It is said that the Macy's Firework display is probably the best in the country. According to www.gonyc.about.com the Fireworks begin at about 9:00 p.m. The fireworks are released from four different locations along the East River, and you can view the fireworks from the FDR Drive which will be closed at 7:00 p.m. for viewing from 14th Street to 42nd Street. In addition to the East River views, the fireworks can be viewed from Long Island City, Brooklyn Heights and by taking a NY Watertaxi cruise, Circle line cruise, New Jersey Spirit cruise or World Yacht cruise that night. These cruises vary in price and you can get details on the following websites: www.manhattan.about.com (search for July 4th, 2007 events), and www.visitny.com.

Throughout the day of July4th, there are other large events happening in the City. There is a Barbecue Above Broadway event, concerts in Battery Park City and the New York Philharmonic, and a traditional Knights of Columbus parade in the Bay Ridge section of Brooklyn. Many of the websites listed above are in process of updating information on these events as the 4th of July approaches. If you will be visiting New York City on the 4th of July, and staying at a hotel, contact your hotel in advance for information and prices of events in which you may want to participate. There is so much going on that you will certainly not be bored.