sparklers

Despite the NYPD crackdowns on illegal fireworks, some intrepid NYers still find ways to put on backyard shows for their neighborhoods.

Check out some videos of illegal fireworks from Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx below, and everyone be grateful they still have their fingertips.

With time honored patriotic Independence Day traditions under attack, Stephen Colbert was not going to stand back and watch Mayor Buzzstomp ruin the 4th of July: "Sparklers deserve a seat at freedom's table!"

Only Mayor Bloomberg can save us from sparkler-related annihilation.

Cops were way too busy last night to worry about illegal fireworks and sparklers—well, except for the family who set their house on fire with fireworks. Watch the videos below.