June 28, 2016 By Christian Murray
The Astoria sky will light up again this Thursday as the annual 4th of July fireworks show returns to Astoria Park once again.
Central Astoria Local Development Corp., a local non-profit, will host its Independence Day fireworks show on the Astoria Park Lawn, located on Shore Blvd between the Hell Gate Bridge and the pool.
The event will kick off at 7:30 pm with a performance by the Queens Symphony Orchestra. The fireworks show will kick off at around 9:15 pm, according to Marie Torniali, Executive Director of the Central Astoria Local Development Corp.
It is free to attend.
The organization has been hosting the event for more than 30 years. It started it as a way to foster greater neighborhood spirit.
“We wanted to bring everyone together to celebrate the fourth of July,” she said.
Last year was the largest turnout to date, with more than 16,000 people attending, according to Torniali.
She expects to match or exceed that turnout this year.
“Every year it gets bigger and bigger,” she said.
Torniali claims this is the best fireworks show in the city. “We have such a diverse community and everyone comes together to watch,” she said.
The event costs about $60,000, which is largely covered by the City and corporate sponsors.
