May 31, 2022 By Michael Dorgan
Western Queens residents will once again get a close-up view of the Macy’s July 4th annual fireworks, several well-placed sources have confirmed.
The famous fireworks show is slated to return to the Long Island City waterfront on the evening of July 4th to mark America’s Independence Day, according to Queens Post sources. July 4th falls on a Monday this year.
Sources say that the setup will be similar to last year when Macy’s anchored five barges around Midtown Manhattan in the East River — across from Long Island City — and ignited more than 65,000 shells in a colorful display.
The 2021 show began at around 9:45 p.m. on July 4 and spectators were able to view them along the East River shoreline in Queens, Manhattan and Brooklyn. The show lasted around 25 minutes and was broadcast live on NBC.
The Queens Post reached out to Macy’s for comment about this year’s fireworks show but has yet to receive a response. The department store chain has not officially announced the return of the event but has an active countdown timer on its website, counting down to 8 p.m. on July 4, 2022.
A musical performance is expected to take place at Hunters Point South Park in the days leading up to the event for pre-recording. Last year the internationally-acclaimed rock band Coldplay took to the stage in front of the Oval to play live in front of thousands of adoring fans.
Frank Ottomanelli, who has taken over the outdoor cafe on the waterfront at Hunters Point South Park, said he was told to expect big crowds in the area on July 4th. Ottomanelli is currently refurbishing the establishment and expects it to be fully open for the July 4th fireworks.
Ottomanelli’s establishment, long known as LIC Landing although it is likely to be renamed, had a soft opening on Memorial Day Weekend but it has closed again while the revamp continues.