NYC July 4 Fireworks: Expect Metal Detectors, Mixed-Vaxxed Crowds

NEW YORK CITY — Macy's Fourth of July fireworks will be back in "full force," Mayor Bill de Blasio promised.

Also in full force at the show: the NYPD.

Large deployments of uniformed and plainclothes police officers will enforce security measures such as metal detectors during the annual fireworks extravaganza, officials said Thursday.

De Blasio tied the show — which returns to a full show after last year's pared-down format — to the city's recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

"It's going to be to another mark of our rebirth," he said. "We want to make sure it goes well, we want to make sure people are safe in every way. There will be dedicated viewing areas, there will be street closures — lots of precautions being taken by the NYPD to make sure everyone is safe."

But some long-standing precautions against the coronavirus won't be enforced.

Viewing areas will be open to vaccinated and unvaccinated people alike, said Dan Gross, executive director for citywide events. The only stipulation is that unvaccinated people are "strongly encouraged" to wear masks.

NYPD will not be enforcing mask wearing, said Juanita Holmes, the department's chief of patrol.

"Most people are vaccinated and those that feel uncomfortable are welcome to wear masks if they like, but that's not what we're going to be there for," she said.

Designated viewing areas for the firework show include FDR Drive from 14th Street to 51st Street, with access points at 23rd, 31st, 34th and 48th streets, Holmes said.

They'll also be in Brooklyn at Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn Heights Promenade, Grand Ferry Park, Domino Park, Bushwick Inlet Park, East River State Park and Transmitter Park. Queens display viewing points will be Gantry Plaza State Park and Hunter’s Point South Park.

"What we're asking is that you'd be very mindful of what you bring to these sites," Holmes said. "There will be detectors there, metal detectors. Everyone will be searched at these particular access points. You're not allowed to bring any backpacks, large blankets, seats, umbrellas, naturally, and no alcohol."

NYPD will start shutting traffic down at 2 p.m., Holmes said. This year, vehicular traffic on the Williamsburg Bridge and the 59th Street/Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge, she said.

People who want to watch the fireworks can show up starting at 6:30 p.m. when the designated viewing areas open, she said.

The show itself starts at 9:30 p.m.

Public transportation is strongly encouraged for fireworks viewers, Holmes said.

"It's going to be very difficult to get around the city between 2 p.m. and 2 a.m.," she said.

The security measures come amid a citywide surge in gun violence. Holmes said NYPD has received no credible threats regarding the celebration.

But, still, NYPD will have uniformed officers, plainclothes cops, canine teams, bomb squads, an emergency service unit, harbor patrol and aviation all at the show, she said.