Fireworks
photo by A_N_D_R_E_A_S

Mayor de Blasio cracking down on "illegal fireworks" as Macy's announces spread-out July 4 display

NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio said back in April that July 4 fireworks would happen “one way or another,” and sure enough, details of this year’s display have been announced, although they’re unlike those of previous years. Instead of a single huge display that would bring tons of people out to watch together, risking COVID-19 exposure, Macy’s is holding a series of five-minute firework shows throughout the five boroughs at unannounced locations from Monday, June 29 through Saturday July 4. For the July 4 finale, they’ll also broadcast video of the previous nights’ fireworks, and feature musical performances, with John Legend set to headline.

“It will not be like the past where there’s one big giant show,” de Blasio said on Tuesday. “We do not want a lot of people watching. There’s not going to be a single focal point.”

This announcement comes right after de Blasio vowed to crack down on a huge uptick in fireworks being set off throughout the city — and the even bigger uptick in 311 complaints about them. “We’re going to start a huge sting operation to go and get these illegal fireworks at the base,” he said, revealing that a task force of over 40 officers each from the NYPD and FDNY would target suppliers, setting up stings and undercover buys.