4th of July on the East Coast

For the 4th this year I really wanted to see the fireworks over the Statue of Liberty! We had an invitation to see the fireworks several weeks before the 4th from a family in the ward at Lake Hopatcong. I declined saying I really wanted to go see them in NYC. Jared Sparhawk happened to over hear our conversation and said one of the parking garages he manages has an awesome view of the Hudson River from the rooftop on the Jersey side. He added that his family might be doing the fireworks there this year. I immediately invited myself to his party. Well he was able to get permission to go up on the roof to see this amazing display of fireworks over the Hudson River between NYC and New Jersey. We had to leave our home early because they announced they were closing the streets to traffic 7 hours before the show . We packed a picnic lunch/dinner and away we went. What a beautiful day it was, a typical California weather day. Sunny and not too hot and unbelievably no humidity for the east coast. The humidity is usually not pleasant this time of year. Well when we got there Jared was able to get us into a condo that was vacant and for sell. We were able to watch the fireworks from the balcony. You couldn't have had a better view. I was a little disappointed that we couldn't see the Statue of Liberty from where we were. But, you could see the fireworks that were going off over the lady from where we were.What a display that was, but, ours was superb. The paper reported the next day that it was the largest firework display in New York history and the first time it was done in that location since 9-11. They set off over 44,000 rockets. Oh to be part of history. It doesn't get much better than that.

Janelle did not want to go, but her mean parents forced her to have a memorable event in her life. She insisted that she was going to be bored and have no fun. I'm sure from the pictures you can decide if she had a good time or not.

Picnic in the park with Kentucky Fried Chicken....it's tradition.

Face painting was enjoyed by the younger folk.

The streets are closed 5 hours before the show, not the seven like reported. They bring in barricades just like New Years. This is a picture of the barges getting into position. Notice Macys on the side. They sponsored the fireworks.

OK, before the Rose parade in California we get the Thunderbirds flying over the parade route. Before the NYC fireworks, we get the NYPD helicopters.

The tugs came out and put on a pre-show. You can't tell the red, white and blue colors very well from the photo. See all the private boats lined up on the boundary created by the coast guard. Wouldn't it be fun to see the show from a boat! It wouldn't be the 4th without the candy bar game. Another one of our traditions.

Glow in the dark necklaces for all.

I love how you can tell the six barges that set off the fireworks in this picture spread out over the Hudson River.

Just look at all those lights in the sky. I wish I would have thought to get a picture of the reflection of the fireworks on the buildings in NYC.

Just like The Ball Drop on New Years Eve, the streets were full of spectators after the big event. It took us over 2 1/2 hours to get home.

Thanks Sparkhawks for letting us crash your party. I was able to cross off another item on my bucket list of things to do before moving back to California.

What's next you ask?........Palmyra Pageant.