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We have planned a few days in NY including 4th July. (Staying in Avenue of Americas)
Are there parades and other activities? I think that there is a fireworks display. As an international tourist, where do we go to see the main celebrations - day and evening?
Are the boat trips good? Which ones? ( If possible, prefer to stay in casual clothes and walking shoes to enjoy it all -- the walking shoes are particularly important and don't look so good with formal wear!!)
This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for a couple of seniors!
New York on 4th July - Parades & fireworks information requested
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Apropos of fireworks:Yes, their is a great show sponsored by the Macy's Dept Store. Google macy's fireworks
There are no parades in NYC for the 4th but the fireworks display is quite something and happens around 9 pm. Last year they did it on the Hudson river and apparently it will be there again this year. Here's an article with links to the various boats on offer.
http://www.newyorkology.com/archives/2010/04/macys_4th_of_ju_3.php
In terms of "best" I'd prefer one of the smaller boats, but you may not.
bateauxnewyork.com
is a well regarded dinner cruise and will have one that night but it's expensive and would require dressing up.
Here's info from last year by NY Magazine
http://nymag.com/guides/summer/july4/
You need to realize that this is a huge fireworks display featurd on TV with narration, music, pop singers, etc and will attract well more than a million people to the shores of the river. Streets into the area are closed many hours in advance so you will need to get ther by subway and then feet. Be sure to bring enough water to stay hydrated (it is typically very hot and humid) and understand that there are not porta potties. People who want the best views will get there 5 or 6 hours in advance.
Some boat companies have special sailings to see the fireworks - but they tend to be very expensive - and you would have to check them for availability and details.
No parade in Manhattan (although you can find small local parades if you head out to the suburbs).
Yep, if you plan to watch the fireworks get there early, bring something to eat and drink. It's a hassle but definitely worth it.
I think you can also watch it from NJ in Weehawken and Hoboken which may be less hectic.
http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2009/07/hudsons_all_fired_up_over_fire.html
Thanks K_brklyn, nytraveler, mclaurie and sobster.
The information is very helpful. I didn't think about the heat in NY. We are used to lots of heat, but the humidity can be very unpleasant. Good advice about drinking water and porta potties! We may take the boating option. Sounds good.