UPTOWNflavor

For the second year in a row the annual Macy’s fireworks display will be over the Hudson River. Last year, uptowners made their way to the newly opened West Harlem Piers with hopes of catching a glimpse of the fireworks without having to fight the crowds downtown. No such luck. Due to low clouds and simply being too far away, the only fireworks to be seen were across the river in New Jersey.

This year’s show is expected to be the biggest yet. There will be 40, 000 shells launched from six barges in the Hudson River. The bursts are expected to get as high as 1000 feet in the air. If the weather cooperates and it is a clear night, Harlemites might be lucky enough to see the show from Riverbank Park or the Piers Park this year.

The show is expected to start at 9:20 and will last a little under half an hour.  There is always the option of staying home to watch the show from the comfort of your own home on channel 4 beginning at 9 PM.

If you do decide to go downtown to check out the fireworks, be aware of the subway disruptions on the 2, 3, A and D lines this weekend.

Photos: Crowds wait for the fireworks display at the West Harlem Piers Park on July 4, 2009