How to watch fireworks
July 5th, 2008 at 10:12 pm
After some interesting goings on at the Macy’s fireworks on the Fourth, I thought I’d give some tips on how to best enjoy such festivities and respect your neighbors at the same time. You see, when we’re packed into South Street Seaport like sardines, a certain level of respect is nice.
- Tourists: While I know pictures are great to show the friends and fam back home, you might want to think about not watching the entire fireworks show through a 2×2″ LCD screen. Really, it’s quite an experience just to be there, why not live it?
- Parents: If your child still requires a stroller we might want to think twice about bringing him or her to the event. It is highly unlikely that children under two will understand the loud noises and bright lights, much less why you’ve decided to mess up his or her sleep schedule for this mayhem.
- First come, first serve: You want a good spot near the front? Want to have room to spread out the family or your herd of preteen buddies? About 5-6 PM is a good time to arrive, not at 9, 30 minutes before the show starts. If you get there late never fear. Fireworks are high in the sky so even those in the back can see. It’s not necessary to squish yourself into the cracks between the blankets of those who have been camping out for hours.
- Umbrellas can be weapons: It’s unfortunate that I have to include this one. Why did it have to rain? But when it does, please watch those spiky prongs at the edges of your umbrella. You could take an eye out with those!
I could rant on and on about the other happenings of the night (those who were there with me understand), but for now I’ll leave it at these few constructive tidbits.
(Photo courtesy Flickr user LarimdaME.)