The 35th Annual Macy's 4th of July Fireworks® Celebrate Independence Day and the 125th Anniversary of the Statue of Liberty

NEW YORK, May 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Freedom will ring, thunder and boom this summer as Macy's 4th of July Fireworks®, the nation's largest display of patriotic firepower returns to celebrate Independence Day. An awe-inspiring spectacle of color, light and sound will rumble over New York City on Monday, July 4th at 9:00 pm, as Macy's dazzling celebration ends the holiday with a bang. With more than 3 million live spectators and millions tuned in nationwide, the Hudson River will be the showcase for more than 40,000 fireworks that together will ignite the sky for the nation's 235th birthday party.

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"Macy's 35th annual fireworks display will once again dazzle millions of New Yorkers and a national television audience like never before, as a kaleidoscope of brilliant colors and jaw-dropping effects stretch for two miles across the Hudson River," said Amy Kule, executive producer of Macy's 4th of July Fireworks. "Building on 34 years of success, we will ignite the skies of New York City with the nation's largest fireworks display celebrating Independence Day, as well as the 125th Anniversary of the Statue of Liberty."

"This year especially, we are keenly aware that our freedoms are hard-won gifts that we can never take for granted," said Mayor Michael Bloomberg. "And there's no better way to celebrate Independence Day than with a New York tradition that's as great as America itself - the Macy's annual fireworks show. The pyrotechnic displays dazzle us and fill us with immense pride for our country and city.  They also remind us that fireworks are best left to the professionals – so please don't try to set your own off at home. It's illegal and unsafe."

Gift of Freedom, the theme of this year's pyrotechnic spectacular will pay special tribute to the 125th Anniversary year of the Statue of Liberty that for generations has served as a beacon of hope and freedom for millions. "Since 1886, the Statue of Liberty has proudly stood in New York Harbor at the gateway to the American Dream," said Bill Schermerhorn, creative director of Macy's 4th of July Fireworks.  "This year's show will reflect both the united pride of our nation and the variety of our dreams, with light-hearted celebratory songs, and emotional patriotic standards. It's a birthday celebration for all of us."  

The starting point for any Macy's Fireworks show is the musical score to which the pyro spectacular will be choreographed. Featuring beloved Independence Day standards such as God Bless America and The Star Spangled Banner, the score this year will also feature some of the hottest pop songs of our times including hits from stars Taio Cruz, Everclear, Jennifer Hudson, Katy Perry and LeAnne Rimes. In addition, Broadway stars Anika Noni Rose and Karen Olivo will pay tribute to the "Lady in the Harbor" with a bilingual rendition of the original song Gift of Light.

The 35th Annual Macy's 4th of July Fireworks will fire more than 40,000 pyrotechnic shells during a 25-minute synchronized display. Designed in collaboration with SOUSA Fireworks, the show will be set off from six barges positioned on the Hudson River, stretching from 20th to 55th Streets. This wide spectrum covering two miles of sky, allows Macy's Fireworks to produce dazzling effects which reach heights of 1,000 feet, providing magnificent views to more spectators from water's edge to towering skyscrapers. With an average of 1,600 shells launched per minute, Macy's Fireworks are sure to draw thunderous cheers from the gathered crowds.  

Independence day revelers from coast-to-coast will also have a front row view of the pyro in the sky by tuning to NBC's national broadcast of Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular beginning at 9:00 PM (check local listings). In addition to the pyrotechnic splendor, the 4th of July's most popular entertainment broadcast will feature a star-studded line-up of performances by the nation's hottest recording artists.

Viewing information and other spectator tips will be available as of June 2011 at www.macys.com/fireworks or by calling the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Hotline at (212) 494-4495.

About Macy's 4th of July Fireworks

Macy's 4th of July Fireworks are the nation's largest 4th of July pyrotechnic display. Produced by Macy's and designed in conjunction with SOUSA Fireworks of Rialto, CA, Macy's Fireworks are a digitally synchronized display of firepower that is choreographed to a rousing patriotic score. Annually fired from various locations across New York City, Macy's Fireworks feature shells from all over the world. Seen by more than 3 million spectators and millions of viewers nationwide, Macy's 4th of July Fireworks have become the nation's premiere 4th of July celebration event.

For Macy's media materials, please visit our online pressroom at www.macys.com/pressroom.

SOURCE Macy's