Happy 234th birthday, America! And P.S., screw Macy’s.

Posted by Brian Hedden at 7:00 am Coney Island

Jul 042010

I used to love watching the Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks from a spot near the tennis courts in Greenpoint’s McCarren Park (not only could you show up with an hour to spare and find a good spot – you could actually get a seat). But starting last year, since Macy’s decided that its Hudson County, NJ customers were more important than its Brooklyn and Queens customers, I decided to hit up the weekly Coney Island fireworks instead.

Unlike any spot on Manhattan’s West Side that I can think of, I was able to view last Friday’s fireworks lying flat on my back on a beach towel, with my bare feet in the sand. Beats trying to find justtherightspot in Manhattanhenge to see past the high-rises, and then standing there for hours to hold your spot.

Happy Independence Day, Brooklyn! Go get yourself a hot dog or 68.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lisanne001/ Lisanne!

And in Manhattan a lot of the best “public” spots are unavailable. They are “reserved”, I guess for friends of Bloomberg. We are talking about the parks along the Hudson.
http://www.flickr.com/paypaul Paul

It is absolutely a mecca for the rich and well heeled. Now the sky is for sale for those who can pony up $79 and more for an exclusive view from a private party on the public waterfront.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/paypaul/3689060456/

I gave up on the fireworks this year. I’m going back and forth again to Coney Island today and enjoy a stress free day. A friend and I will probably go this Friday or Saturday to Coney and check out the fireworks at the Ballpark!