Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Display in New York

I lived right off 1st Avenue and 22nd Street in Manhattan for many years.

Every July 4th, I saw all the people flock to the East River early in the morning, to get a good spot for the fireworks that would happen much later in the evening. I saw the fans of this NYC tradition walking down the street with their coolers filled with drinks and food. The fans had their beach chairs and provisions all in hand. All the streets got blocked off for the incoming influx of firework watchers.

NYC just recently held one of their biggest parades near where I work. It was the Puerto Rican Day Parade.

I had to be at work very early, and was on the train with many people going to get a spot early for this parade. It was 7:30 in the morning! But, the die-hards wanted their good spot. They came with their portable chairs and coolers full of goodies, even though the parade started at least 4 hrs later.

The parade watchers were all decked out dressed in their flag colors from hats to bikini tops, They were proud and showed it. Other NYC parades also have the same loyalty. "Kiss Me I'm Irish" along with shamrocks and many faces painted green. The Italian flag waves proudly during the Columbus Day parade. And for Gay Pride, lots of rainbows, and colorful participants and watchers.

For the 4th of July Parade in the Sky, you see some American flags, but nothing like the real parades. Makes me wonder why there isn't a real parade for this day?

While, the Macy's Fireworks is not a parade, it has the same elements. People of NYC and other areas come together. The history of parades in NYC started politically, as a means for the the minority groups to show the lawmakers they were many. Macy's 4th of July celebration is just a big advertisement for Macy's. However, it draws many people. Maybe it's a good thing that it is a "parade in the sky".

After all, this is the day to celebrate the United States becoming the United States. While, I don't believe it's void of political influence. But it really is an evening of just wanting to see the pretty fireworks. It's unique. and interesting that Macy's is representing and sponsoring this big celebration in a big way with their Parade in The Sky on the day of our country's independence. It's not politics, it's capitalism. God Bless America! I wonder if there was an Independence Day parade down Fifth Avenue, would people show up?

Macy's Fireworks on the East River is a NYC tradition. People will show up early to get a good spot. Of course, if you live near the East River, either in Brooklyn or Manhattan, you might have the best viewing spot ever. Your roof!