Millions Watch Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Bursts of color lit up the night sky along the East River Friday as the Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular dazzled an audience of millions.
The Macy's fireworks show returned to the East River this year after spending the past five years on the Hudson. It promised to be 25 minutes of electrifying and breathless bangs and booms with roughly 50,000 pounds of explosions, and it sure did deliver.
EXTRA: Where To Watch The Macy's Fireworks Spectacular | Tri-State Area Fireworks Guide
The theme for this year's show was the 200th anniversary of the "Star-Spangled Banner," but the star of the show was the Brooklyn Bridge.
Final Preps Underway For Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular
Fireworks flew from three barges between the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges and even the Brooklyn Bridge itself.
"They're going to just zip up and down the bridge from the roadway, run up both sides up into the towers and back down, shoot out over the water," show designer Gary Souza said ahead of the show.
The fireworks were timed almost exactly to the beat of a 25-minute musical score.
"When there are bursting, beautiful notes in music, we are able to mimic that in fireworks," said the show's executive producer, Amy Kule.
As CBS 2's Don Champion reported, elevated sections of the FDR were shutdown for spectators.
Viewing areas opened up at 4 p.m. for the show. In Manhattan, the South Street Seaport area was a prime viewing location. Across the river, the promenade in Brooklyn Heights was also a great spot, Champion reported.
Ashley Lister and his family were among the early birds in lower Manhattan trying to get into a good position for the show.
"We're trying to scout a spot now where we can see, but not be in the middle of it all too," he said.
Despite the rainy start to the day, the weather cleared in time for the show. Many told Champion they would be there, rain or shine.
1010 WINS was the official radio station of Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular and the only station where you could hear the soundtrack to the show.
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