Life
This Independence Day, attending a fireworks show with a large crowd just doesn't seem like a great idea. However, while many celebrations have been cancelled outright, this doesn't mean you have to spend July 4th under a quiet sky listening to crickets. You can watch a virtual Fourth of July fireworks show from the comfort of home. Just think, there'll be no bumper-to-bumper "going home" traffic headaches, no mosquitoes to swat, and zero humidity or possible rain showers with an at-home fireworks show. Simple air conditioning, volume control, and a comfy front row seat courtesy of your couch. Silver linings, right?
I'll be honest, so much of our summer is different this year due to COVID-19, and that's especially hard when it comes to holidays like July 4th, which come with built-in traditions. My family and I usually celebrate with friends by barbecuing at our local park, and in years past, I've sat on the pavement of the West Side Highway watching the Macy's Fireworks Show. Not this year. This July 4th, we will all be making new memories. But honoring our country's independence, spending time with family, and of course watching fireworks, will thankfully remain the same.
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Macy's 4th Of July Fireworks
What's that saying, "the show must go on"? Well, Macy's Independence Day celebration in New York City isn't letting a pandemic get in its way. The massive fireworks show will be televised on NBC on July 4th from 8 to 10 p.m. EST/PT or 7 to 9 p.m. CT/MT. This year's show will "celebrate New York and America with a spectacular display choreographed to an epic musical score," according to Macy's website. Can't wait.
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A Capital 4th Fireworks show in Washington, D.C.
Tune in to PBS on July 4th for A Capital Fourth, a patriotic, star-studded concert event that will feature fireworks above the National Mall in Washington D.C. This year's celebration will mark 40 years of A Capitol Fourth, a concert which has been broadcast to millions of viewers on PBS and to our troops around the world via the American Forces Network. No television? A Capitol Fourth will also be airing on local NPR stations nationwide.
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Boston Fireworks & Pops Concert
On July 4, the Boston Pops orchestra will present "A Boston Pops Salute to Our Heroes" by paying tribute to COVID-19 frontline workers and honoring those who have lost their lives during our current health crisis. I love this! While the concert will not be live, it will feature previous musical performances from recent years including Andy Grammer, Leslie Odom Jr., Rhiannon Giddens, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Arlo Guthrie, and more. The three-hour show will include several newly-created recorded virtual performance pieces, and many friends of the Boston Pops will share special video messages to commemorate our nation’s birthday. A Boston Pops Salute to Our Heroes will air at 8 p.m. on July 4th on Bloomberg TV and website, and if you're local, on Boston’s Channel 7 WHDH.
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Your Town's Local Fireworks Show
Turns out, your town may be hosting its own fireworks show on television this year. Check your local listings as July 4 draws closer, as many cities have chosen to cancel shows this year, but televise them for would-be audiences. As an example, Nashville, Tennessee canceled its usual celebrations, but will televise a fireworks show in honor of local frontline responders.
If you think you’re showing symptoms of coronavirus, which include fever, shortness of breath, and cough, call your doctor before going to get tested. If you’re anxious about the virus’s spread in your community, visit the CDC for up-to-date information and resources, or seek out mental health support. You can find all of Romper’s parents + coronavirus coverage here.
