Fire It Up for the Macy's Extravaganza
Fireworks expanding; get the best seat in the house
By MOLLY LUKASH
Updated 7:26 PM EST, Fri, Jul 3, 2009
This Fourth of July, it will be the Hudson River's time to shine.
The annual Macy’s fireworks show is moving to the Hudson River from the East River; authorities are shutting down part of the roadway so as many spectators as possible can squeeze in.
The last time the show took place on the Hudson was in 2000, but this year is a cause for extra celebration because it's the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s voyage up the river.
Spectators can get situated for the big show at the six-lane highway below 59th Street, with riverfront views along 11th Avenue, starting from 24th all the way to 57th.
The best seats in the house are at Pier 54 at 14th Street and Pier 84 at 44th Street, but be aware -- access is limited.
Fireworks are not the only thing skyrocketing this weekend.
Usually business is slow this time of year, but the show’s upgrade has given tourists another reason to visit.
“Our bookings are already up 30 percent from that same week last year,” Jeanette Dye, director of sales for New York Guest, a company that creates tourism packages for hotels, told the New York Post.
Hotels as the Wyndham Times Square and Comfort Inn Javitz are already completely booked.
Trendy spots with breathtaking views such as High Line lounge on 49th Street are auctioning off sofas and cabanas for $2,000.
“We’re expecting a very busy weekend,” Elon Ketchington, COO of Gansevoort Hotel Group, said. Their rooms are in the mid-$400 to $500 ranges.
First Published: Jun 30, 2009 10:05 AM EST
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