fourth of july 4th of JULY inLIC BY CRISTABELLE TUMOLA A boom is coming back to the western Queens waterfront this Independence Day. After moving to the Hudson River in 2009, the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks show is returning to the East River this summer, the department store and Mayor Bill de Blasio announced in April. The location change is expected to benefit local businesses along the river that previously saw increased traffic during the festivities. “It was actually an emptiness that the East River had. It was basically a tradition we had lost for five years,” said Tony Raouf, owner of Riverview Restaurant & Lounge, located at 2-01 50th Ave. in Long Island City . Located close to Gantry Plaza State Park, a popular fireworks viewing spot in years past, Riverview is planning on having a celebration with a band this year. The Z NYC Hotel, opened in 2011 at 11-01 43rd Ave., already developed special July Fourth events and programming for the holiday. “This will be a great opportunity for many businesses in Long Island City and another way to generate tremendous revenue for our hotel and the community,” said Lisa Gneo, director of sales and marketing. The hotel’s “Red, White and View Package” includes a two night stay in a room overlooking the Manhattan skyline, daily breakfast, July 4th picnic on the rooftop (starts 3 p.m., with a barbecue buffet), V.I.P. access to the rooftop during Macy’s Firework Spectacular, and two Fourth of July themed cocktails (cash bar, credit cards accepted), all other non-alcoholic drinks are unlimited. There is a two guest maximum and guests must stay July 4-5. 44 JUNE 2014 I LIC COURIER I www.queenscourier.com Queens businesses are gearing up for a profitable July Fourth now that the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks are returning to the East River. Prices for the rooms are $395 plus tax for a room with a Queen sized bed, and $435 plus tax for a room with a King sized bed. Tickets can be purchased for just rooftop access. For details call 212-319-7000. The country’s largest pyrotechnic July Fourth display, the fireworks will be launched from the Brooklyn Bridge for the first time and from barges positioned on the lower East River. Amy Kule, executive producer of Macy’s events, said at the April announcement that the move to the East River is not permanent. “I’m sure when there’s something else to celebrate — or a reason to move — we will look to do so,” she said. But the mayor said he would do everything possible “to make the East River location as typical as possible — as frequent as possible.” Additional reporting by Janae Hunter Photos courtesy of Macy’s Returning fireworks to the LIC waterfront
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