The New York City skyline lit up in red, white and blue for the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks — but this year, Manhattan’s West Side took home the best seats.
The West Side Expressway between Christopher and Washington streets was filled to capacity more than two hours before the 48th annual Macy’s Fireworks display began, marking the first time in a decade that the display has shone over the Hudson River.
The show was bookended by Jersey City’s world-famous Fireworks by Grucci show, which started down the river just five minutes after Macy’s.
“We booked a room at the UN Millennium, thinking the fireworks would be on the East River, as we always remembered,” said Brian Sheley, 61, who came from Colorado to watch the show with his wife Deborah . Post office.
“And after we had already committed to the room, flight and hotel deal, we found out they were going to be in the Hudson and we wouldn’t be able to watch them from our room.”
Although initially disappointed — the couple booked the ride after decades of watching the show on TV — the mistake did little to disappoint the couple, who still managed to snag front-row seats on 29th Street.
The pair enjoyed a tour and dinner on the Circle Line Cruise before heading down the coast at 4.30pm
“Someone is rewarding us,” Deborah, 57, said with a smile.
The Centennial State couple weren’t the only ones dazzled by the city’s new Fourth of July location — which left viewers split on whether they preferred the Hudson River show over the East River.
Many people were told at the gates that they would not be allowed to bring their folding or lawn chairs near security checkpoints, something that was previously allowed along the East River.
Outside food, drinks, coolers, backpacks, umbrellas, packaging and animals were also banned from the activity for the first time ever.
“I don’t remember reading anywhere that you couldn’t bring a chair. You can not bring chairs, bottles. This should have been broadcast. “So many people had to throw away their chairs,” said a disappointed Anna, who flew down from Boston for the festivities.
“I’m interested in the experience. But don’t really care about the fireworks.”
Despite a host of new rules, city organizers apparently overlooked one vital detail: There was no handicapped section in Hudson.
Caroline Martinez of Westchester told The Post that she and her disabled friend encountered multiple difficulties despite arriving at the viewing area at 2 p.m.
“They told us they didn’t have specific guidelines for any kind of disability section. And at first they didn’t let me in the chairs. “I finally talked to someone higher up and convinced them that my friend can’t stand that many hours and we were allowed to bring the chairs,” Martinez said.
“We were on our feet for four hours before we sat down. I just wanted to go home.”
The crowd was packed with families, lovers and new friends who found wonder at the annual show.
Three young Long Islanders said the wait was long, but worth it.
For 12-year-old Ameera, the best part was watching “the countdown and the fireworks going down”.
“The fireworks looked really good. They have many colors! I liked the colors,” admitted Hamza, 12, as he looked at a shy 11-year-old.
At Pier 66 near 26th Street, David Reiter, 75, of Savannah, Georgia, and Peruvian sculptor Carlo Polar, 32, enjoyed the show together after meeting during the long, long wait.
Polar had a sore back from standing so long, but joked he shouldn’t complain as he stood next to the Army and Navy veteran, who had been standing since 3 p.m.
“It’s an honor to watch the fireworks with him,” Polar said.
“We’re just trying to feel patriotic. These days it seems like people are not so patriotic. But I love this place. And I wasn’t even born here. I love this place. And I am grateful today.”
Polar, who lives in Queens, said he preferred the show when it was over the East River, noting that there are fewer trees to obstruct views and less chaos.
The migrant witnessed pushes, fistfights and angry people fighting to get inside – only to find there were no bathrooms to accommodate the 3,000 people.
Polar apparently had a strong effect on his new friend: Reiter told The Post that he would definitely make the trip to New York again “if they do fireworks on the East Side again.”
Long lines and annoying rules did little to keep Laura and Michael Wells at bay. The couple flew in from Spain for a two-week vacation that was centered on their bucket list item: watching fireworks.
“I’ve been waiting ages to witness the Macy’s fireworks display. It’s been on our bucket list for years and we’re finally here to see it,” said Laua, 56, to which her husband, 60, added: “I’m glad we can finally say ‘ we saw the fireworks. Fourth of July show in New York.”