For the past several weeks, New York City has been inundated with people setting off big, illegal fireworks at all times of day, to the point that Mayor Bill de Blasio announced this morning that the city is creating a new task force to try to curtail it. But while illegal fireworks have become a source of noise pollution wrecking people's REM cycles, de Blasio evidently views legal fireworks as joyous reminders of the city and country's strength and resilience. And as he promised way back in April, the annual Macy's Fourth Of July fireworks display will happen this year.
For five minutes in every borough starting next Monday, New Yorkers can enjoy the sight of legal fireworks—just make sure you don't confuse them with the illegal fireworks happening simultaneously everywhere, those are not to be enjoyed.
"This July 4th is going to take on added meaning—we've all been through so much," de Blasio said this morning. "We're finally making sustained progress...every one of you who has worked so hard on social distancing, shelter in place, face coverings, to get to this place. We're celebrating you, we're celebrating this place, we're celebrating this country at a moment where we all need to take stock and be proud of what we have done together."
The five shows will happen between Monday, June 29th and Wednesday, July 1st, weather-permitting. The locations and times of each display will not be revealed until shortly before they are set to begin. Then on July 4th, there will be a televised special showing all five displays along with a tribute to health care workers and first responders, plus "something very special" at the Empire State Building.
"This year is going to be different, let me start with that crucial point. It will not be like the past where there's one big giant show, we do not want a lot of people out watching, there's not going to be a single focal point," he said. "We want to get the shows around the five boroughs where people can see them from their own homes, from their own rooftops, from their parks, but not something where people go to a single location and group in large numbers."
So what should you expect? Something brief but mighty: "This is not like what you see with the illegal fireworks. You'll know this is a very professional beautiful show," de Blasio said. "People will be able to see different pieces at different points. It's going to be something that's special for the city, different but very special, very powerful, very moving, but also very safe."
So just remember: if the fireworks are legal, you may gaze upon their splendor with patriotic zeal for five beautiful, powerful, very safe minutes. But if they are illegal, avert your gaze, because they are not as special, powerful, moving as legal fireworks, and also your eyes will be doing a crime.
