The skies over the Bronx will once again light up with red, white and blue to celebrate our nation’s independence.
The annual fireworks display will begin at 9 p.m. Thursday, July 1, at Orchard Beach. This year’s 15-minute program is being sponsored by state Senator Jeff Klein and Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr.
The show, which is free to the public, typically draws crowds into the thousands. City officials said people looking to get good seats generally arrive as early as 6 p.m. and this year should be no different. “This wonderful event is a borough tradition and I invite Bronxites from all corners of our borough to come to Orchard Beach and join myself, Senator Klein, and thousands of our neighbors to celebrate the patriotic spirit of the Bronx and the birth of this great nation,” said Diaz. This was the second year the borough president has sponsored the event.
The show, entitled “New York Salutes a Boardwalk Festival and Fireworks Extravaganza” will feature music, magic shows, face paintings and balloon art. The rain date will be Friday, July 2.
According to officials, the choreographed show will include hundreds of shells and thousands of shots. The costs run about $35,000, and as it is every year, it is funded by corporate sponsors, officials said.
Bay Fireworks will be putting on the fireworks show. The Farmingdale, Long Island-based company has done shows for the New York Mets, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Busch Gardens and the National Republic Committee, among other organizations.
While the show is meant to amuse, Sen. Klein said he hopes the flashes that light up the night sky will bring Bronx residents together to honor the country and its history.
“Our Annual fireworks celebration united thousands of Bronx residents in our common heritage and history as a nation,” he said in a statement to the press. “It stirs out patriotic spirit and offers a time of reflection and gratitude for liberty and freedoms we all enjoy as we work, play and live in this great state and country of ours. Most importantly, as we celebrate, we commemorate the sacrifice and dedication of the men and women of the U.S. Military who defend and preserve those freedoms every day.”
Reach reporter Max Mitchell at (718) 742-3394 or mmitchell@cnglocal.com
