Preparations Underway For Macy's 4th Of July Fireworks Spectacular
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The sky over the East River is set to light up with over 50,000 pyrotechnic shells and effects during the 39th annual Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular.
Crews are setting the fireworks up on barges in Staten Island in preparation for the big day.
"We've got bursting hearts that are going to come to life, crescent moons," executive producer Amy Kule said.
Preparations Underway For Macy's 4th Of July Fireworks Spectacular
Show designer Gary Souza said there will be neon colors in the sky this year.
"That's kind of the exciting part," Souza said."Very bright strobing effects in yellow, pink, orange and green highlighter bright."
As CBS2's Alex Denis reported, Souza has designed the 25-minute-long show for 33 years.
Preparations Underway For Macy's 4th Of July Fireworks Spectacular
Fifty pyrotechnicians execute Souza's vision, and lay 15 miles of cable and hand wire 54,000 mortars and shells.
Souza has fine-tuned the computerized timing to make sure 50,000 planned effects burst in mid-air at the exact beat of the music.
"When I finally get to see this vision that's rolled in my mind for hours and hours and hours, for months, when I really get to see it, it's like a release for me to just say 'ah, it's happening,'" he said.
The theme of this year's show is "Brave," to salute the country's armed forces.
"I think the story that we're going to tell is going to be a beautiful one and we're going to do the country proud," Kule said. "Using the last word of the last line of the national anthem just seemed right."
To help enforce the message Souza has added brighter colors, effects, and creative designs to the fireworks that promise to captivate.
"People just stop with all their troubles and worries, in that moment, and enjoy it," he said.
Set over the East River, divided amongst five barges at the South Street Seaport and between 23rd and 37th Streets, the nation's largest Independence Day pyrotechnic display will start at 9:20 p.m. on Saturday.
Gloria and Emilio Estefan's original song, "America," will debut during the show.
1010 WINS is the official radio station of the Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular and will provide a simulcast soundtrack for the show. To listen, tune in to 1010 WINS on your radio, stream online, or download the CBS Local app for your iPhone or Android device.
