The nation’s largest 4th of July fireworks display returns to the Hudson River to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s voyage.

New York, NY – April 29, 2009 – Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® pyrotechnic splendor returns to the Hudson River for the first time since 2000 to celebrate America’s birthday with the nation’s largest 4th of July fireworks display. On Saturday, July 4, at 9:00 PM, Macy’s will create a showstopper like no other to honor the country’s independence and to kick off the 400th anniversary of the exploration of the Hudson River by Henry Hudson. American River, the theme of the 33rd annual Macy’s Fireworks will give more than two million spectators and millions of viewers nationwide America’s most spectacular showcase of brilliant colors, jawdropping effects and thunderous sound.

The patriotic revelry will feature approximately 40,000 shells exploding in a kaleidoscope of color at a rate of more than 1,500 per minute. The 26-minute display, designed in collaboration with SOUSA Fireworks, will be set off from six barges positioned between 24th and 50th Streets on the Hudson River giving New York City residents a stunning front row seat to America’s biggest Independence Day party.

"The Hudson River is where Macy's 4th of July Fireworks was born," says Robin Hall, executive producer, Macy's Fireworks, "and we're excited to return this year to be part of New York City's larger celebration of the 400th Anniversary of Henry Hudson's voyage of discovery aboard the Dutch vessel, The Half Moon."

Before becoming an annual tradition beginning in 1976, Macy's Fireworks debuted in 1958 on the Hudson River and previously held a special event marking the 350th Anniversary of the voyage of Henry Hudson with a spectacular show in 1959. A half-century later, Macy’s Fireworks are returning to the Hudson to continue to celebrate the eternally fascinating story that culminates with the founding of New Amsterdam and to kick off the City's NYC400 summer celebrations, which culminate on September 13th with Harbor Day.

"The people of the Netherlands are extremely pleased to see the commemorative return of Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks to the Hudson River in honor of Henry Hudson's discovery and New York City’s 400th birthday," said Renée Jones-Bos, the Dutch Ambassador in the USA. "It is a symbol of a long-standing friendship between two strongly tied nations, which share the open-mindedness of those Dutch-American pioneers. We are two countries, but one spirit, united by values, history and a vision of the future."

This year's big bang on the West Side will be expertly synchronized to a rousing score featuring patriotic standards, classic river-themed works and original music. The legendary New York Pops, under the direction of Steve Reineke, will perform the musical score that features classics from Proud Mary to God Bless America, as well as the original composition American River Suite written by Broadway composer Stephen Flaherty and Macy’s creative director William Schermerhorn.

Spectators can catch the action coast-to-coast from the comforts of home by tuning in to Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular broadcast nationally on NBC-TV. The telecast begins at 9:00 PM (check local listings) and will feature a star-studded line-up of celebrities and performances by America’s most popular recording artists.

Viewing information and other spectator tips will be available as of June 2009 at www.macys.com/fireworks or by calling the Macy’s Fireworks Hotline at (212) 494-4495.

About Macy's 4th of July Fireworks
Macy's 4th of July Fireworks are the nation's largest 4th of July pyrotechnic display. Produced by Macy's and designed in conjunction with SOUSA Fireworks of Rialto, CA, Macy's Fireworks are a 30-minute digitally synchronized display of firepower that is choreographed to a rousing patriotic score. Yearly fired from various locations across New York City, Macy's Fireworks feature shells from all over the world. Seen by more than 2 million spectators and more than 8 million viewers nationwide, Macy's 4th of July Fireworks have become the nation's premiere 4th of July celebration event.