No Fourth Of July Fireworks Viewing From Roosevelt Island This Year - But Here's What It Looked Like In 2008

You Tube Video of July 4 2008 Fireworks at Southpoint Park Roosevelt Island

Roosevelt Island is normally a friendly and welcoming community, but please, if you are planning on visiting Roosevelt Island on Saturday to view the traditional Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration - DON'T COME!!!

I write this not because I want to hog the great views just for those of us who live here but because the fireworks have been moved from the East to the Hudson River in honor of the 400 anniversary of Henry Hudson's exploration of the river that now bears his name. So there will be no traditional Fireworks viewing from Southpoint Park as in prior years. As reported in the Queens Gazette:

...NYPD Queens North Borough Commander Diana Pizzuti is telling residents that in recognition of the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson's exploration of the Hudson River, Macy's officials have moved the 2009 July 4 fireworks extravaganza from the East River to the Hudson River.

In past years, crowds gathered at locations along the waterfront for a bird's eye-view of the fireworks, Pizzuti said. This year, the fireworks will be set off from barges located between 24th and 30th Streets on the Hudson River, completely removing any view from the Long Island City waterfront or Roosevelt Island.

Deputy Inspector Paul Vorbeck said, "Your local 114th Precinct would like to inform its residents that the annual Macy's fireworks display is moving across town in 2009. There will be no view from Roosevelt Island."...

New York Magazine reports on the best spots on the West Side to watch the Hudson River Fouth of July Fireworks.

Although there will be no Roosevelt Island Fireworks Spectacular Celebration at Southpoint Park this year, there will be the Nonno's 4th Of July Festival held on Roosevelt Island's Riverwalk Commons with Kid's Rides, Dunk Tank, Burgers, Hot Dogs and other Fun Stuff.

Nonno's and Riverwalk Bar Owners with 4th Of July Festival flyer. Probably another two weeks until the opening of Roosevelt Island's new sports bar and bagel/deli shop.