The sentence of imprisonment by the CoronaVirus truly felt like it ended on July 4th. People came out from their houses, placed fireworks on the sidewalks, and boomed away. What faded away wasn’t just the figments of the fireworks after their time was up, but also the toll that COVID-19 took on us, or at least for the night. My friends and I were no exceptions to being one of the firework watchers and celebrators, but our experiences differed.
From Empire State Building in Manhattan:
As I exited the 7 train from the Vernon Boulevard Station, I was both amazed and shocked by the number of passengers around me. Although Covid-19 isn’t fully resolved, many visitors and New Yorkers still made it to the Gantry Plaza State Park for the thirty minutes fireworks. Walking between the railings set by the NYPD, this scene reminded me of the New Year CountDown at Times Square, although the amount of people isn’t nearly comparable to the sentiment of a national holiday.
The park was separated into two sections, one near the dock and one occupied the rest of the parking space. Many brought foldable chairs, picnic mats, food, and friends with them to abate the long wait. Across the sparkling river, as the sun sets the yachts present a water show for the crowd, colorful threads of water are launched like a moving fountain.
From noon to dusk, more and more people flooded into the park as the children freely explored the potentials of the whistles to share their excitement for the upcoming event. The happy chaos spread as people started cheering and clapping in unison as the time approached closer and closer.
9:30 PM, the very first bouquet of fireworks was launched from the apex of the Empire State Building. The fireworks spread and fell as the audience gasped and cheered for the beautiful scenery of the exploding sky. Five identical beams of fireworks lit up the sky with golden, elegant, threads of light along the river.
The closing was abrupt but expected. As the show ended, people immediately started exiting the area. The show was worth the wait, but the distance to the dock did not matter to the full viewing experience. Although there were significantly fewer people, the holiday vibe was vibrant and vivid.
From Local Neighborhoods in Staten Island:
Each year, each neighborhood lights its own fireworks show in its block. As Covid-19 restrictions were lifted, my neighborhood was no different. Without even needing to open a window, I could hear the booming music that invited all neighborhoods to the block party to celebrate America’s independence. In our celebration, we celebrated the 4th of July and one of our youngest neighbor’s birthdays. Similar to a potluck, each household contributed to the feast, bringing a range of foods, cookies, chicken legs, and sandwiches. Laughter and the distant sound of fireworks filled the air as the sun slowly went down. From every corner of my neighborhood, I could see different shows being held for each block. Every block has its traditions and time for its firework display.
From Empire Outlets in Staten Island:
After over a year of lockdown, the 4th of July this year symbolized freedom and a new start for everyone. As dusk arrives, so does the booming of the sky flowers, popping one after another. It truly felt like a celebration because it’s like even the neighborhood I live in on Staten Island hosted our own firework show. Making my way through the laughter and shooting rockets, I headed my way to the newly built Empire Outlets on the St.George pier. People gathered at the pier like a swarm of bees waiting for the flowers to shoot up and bloom. It was the most meaningful 4th of July I’ve ever experienced and the one that I truly learned what it should feel like on a holiday.
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