The Roosevelt Island 4th of July Fireworks Festival

Every New Yorker knows that the crowds heading to the east side of Manhattan, on the 4th of July, are a force to be reckoned with. People with the good spots generally pack up their coolers, chairs, kids, and enough toys and food to keep everyone happy for hours and arrive shortly after sunrise to stake out a spot. Get there late and you can only see the back of other people's heads or the fireworks peaking out from in between buildings.

A lot of hassle for an hour or so of fireworks, you say? Well, nobody who has been there and seen it can argue that it isn't worth it, once the sky and the river are lit up by one of the most exciting and beautiful pyrotechnics displays north of Disney World. However, some people have to work during the day. Sometimes its brutally hot out there and people risk heatstroke or dehydration. Wouldn't it be great to have a chance of getting that experience, that view, and not have to go through all the hassle? Wouldn't it be fantastic to bring the family to an all night celebration with food, drinks, games, live music and other entertainment for the kids and then still get to see the display? It does exist!

The Roosevelt Island 4th of July Fireworks Festival is the only way that you can buy tickets in advance (online or over the phone), be part of a fun all-evening festival, and guarantee that you will have an actual chair to sit in once the show starts. You will have a perfect view, as the seating area is located at Southpoint Park, at the southern tip of Roosevelt Island, smack in the middle of the East River. You won't be too crowded and craning to see around swarms of people, because they only sell as many tickets as there are chairs provided for. And the best part? You don't have to bring anything, just yourself, your friends and family and some extra cash for the yummy food that is provided in their food court. This year it is from Brother Jimmy's BBQ! There will be clowns, jugglers and face-painting for the kids, as well! Here is the lowdown:

Cost: $18 per seat. Children under 3 years old are admitted free, as long as they can sit on your lap when the show starts.

Time: Gates open at 5:00pm. A live band will start playing at 6:00pm. The fireworks begin around 9:00pm.

Location and Directions: The Roosevelt Island Tramway is located on 2nd Ave between 59th & 60th Streets. You can also take the F subway line to Roosevelt Island Station. If you are coming by car, you can get there via the 36th Avenue Bridge in Long Island City,Queens. Parking is available at Motorgate Garage which is immediately to the right upon exiting bridge). Southpoint Park is located at the southern end of Roosevelt Island. Once you exit the Roosevelt Island subway station or Tram, please follow signs to the ticket holders' line.

Don't Bring: Coolers, large backpacks, your own chairs, any alcoholic beverages!

For more information: Call 212-832-4540 or go to http://www.rioc.com/