The month of July figurately and literally set off a month of fireworks.
Photo courtesy Office of the Bronx Borough President
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On Thursday, June 24, Bronxites and visitors from all over the region joined Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and New York City Councilman Mark Gjonaj as they hosted the borough’s official kickoff to this year’s Independence Day celebrations, the annual “New York Salutes America” boardwalk festival and fireworks extravaganza at Orchard Beach.
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., left, and New York City Councilman Mark Gjonaj take in the fireworks at Orchard Beach on June 24.
“The annual ‘New York Salutes America’ boardwalk festival and fireworks extravaganza at Orchard Beach is one of our jewel events, and is a great way to kick-off our city’s July 4th celebrations,” Diaz Jr. said. “After the trying year we have had, I was proud to once again join Council Member Mark Gjonaj in bringing our neighbors together in-person to celebrate America, at one of my favorite places in the world, Orchard Beach. I want to thank Montefiore and The Bronx Chamber of Commerce for making this event possible.”
The borough’s held its official kickoff to this year’s Independence Day celebrations on June 24 with the annual “New York Salutes America” boardwalk festival and fireworks extravaganza at Orchard Beach.
The event was sponsored by Montefiore Health System and The Bronx Chamber of Commerce. The event was produced by The Bronx Tourism Council, The Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation and Business Initiative Corporation of New York. In addition to a fireworks show by the world-famous Grucci, spectators also enjoyed music and entertainment by DJ Ralphie Mercado.
From left, Marcos Crespo, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., City Council candidate Marjorie Velazquez, Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson, Councilman Kevin Riley, Assemblyman Kenny Burgos, Lisa Sorin, Bronx Chamber of Commerce president and Councilman Mark Gjonaj. Photo Aracelis Batista
“I am proud to again sponsor the ‘New York Salutes America’ firework celebration with Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.,” Gjonaj said. “Now more than ever, it is important that we celebrate the resilient nature of our community and its residents. This event is not only a great opportunity for Bronxites to come together and enjoy an amazing fireworks show but it is a salute to that unique ‘can do’ Bronx spirit that has enabled us to persevere and excel in the face of challenges.”
The fireworks came early and often on June 24 as the borough held its annual “New York Salutes America” celebration at Orchard Beach. Photo Aracelis Batista
Lisa Sorin, president of the New Bronx Chamber of Commerce, added, “While our primary focus is connecting local businesses with vital pandemic recovery tools and growth resources and representing the Bronx business community in government, we were proud to support this event at our treasured ‘Bronx Riviera,’ which provided so much enjoyment for our Bronx families.”
Orchard Beach was on full display last week as the Bronx celebrated Independence Day early with a host of festivities on the boardwalk.
