July 4th Fireworks & Celebrations in New York

When the Fourth of July comes marching in, no less than 15,000 fireworks shows will reportedly be on display throughout this weekend, Mashable said. "And that's just the professional shows," the site added. "In total, about 213 million pounds of fireworks are sold annually in the United States."

Among the many American states and cities celebrating Independence Day this Friday, New York City is known to stage one of the best fireworks show in the country. However, with the threat of Hurricane Arthur looming, will the Big Apple's spectacular pyrotechnics be put on hold and postponed for another day?

Fortunately for New Yorkers, the odds are in their favor.

"Parts of the Northeast saw heavy rains overnight, but in New York and Washington, D.C., the skies should clear in time for fireworks," ABC News forecasted. "Macy's annual fireworks show above the East River is still scheduled for Friday night."

It can be recalled that since 2009, the annual fireworks shows were done on the Hudson River. This year, they're moving it back to the East River. Have you found your spot there yet?

Just in case you're wondering, fireworks CAN go off in the rain. "And they often do," ABC News quoted the American Pyrotechnics Association's Julie Heckman as saying. What you should be worried of is the wind.

"Winds can affect the fallout zone, meaning it can blow debris and smoke in the direction that we don't want," Heckman explained.

However, if the organizers assess that people won't come out to see the show, they may actually reschedule it.

"The one thing we're fortunate about with this Fourth of July falling on a Friday is that there is some flexibility. Event organizers are going to discuss what their options are. Its possible shows could be postponed to the 5th or 6th or even the 7th of July," Heckman added.

However, a spokesman had said that the show in New York City, "the largest Fourth of July fireworks display in the nation, will go on no matter Friday's weather," according to MSN News.

Here's more information on what to look forward to on July 4^th.

Coney Island, Brooklyn

Here's a "fireworks" display of another sort - the kind that involves hotdogs, buns, and very determined eaters. If you have time to spare, check out the annual Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest at high noon EST at Brooklyn's Coney Island, as noted by Forbes.

Yeah, it's going to be aired on ESPN but nothing compares to watching the event up close and live. Last year's champ Joey Chestnut gobbled up 69 hotdogs in just 10 minutes - a new world record, CBS said. Will he surpass his own record this year? Or will someone else do?

In the evening, you can check out Coney Island's Cyclones have their post-game fireworks, which also doubles as the "official Coney Island July 4th Fireworks Spectacular." The stands of MCU park is reportedly the best place to watch for this, as well as North of Fishing Pier on Coney Island Beach, Gothamist recommended.

Manhattan and Brooklyn

Macy's Fireworks show, now on its 35^th year, will launch from the Brooklyn Bridge and the barges nearby. About 50,000 pounds of fireworks will go off in the air and will go off in sync with the national anthem.

Although the show starts at 9 p.m., it's recommended you settle in your chosen spot, which should be somewhere in "Brooklyn Bridge Park, South Street Seaport, Brooklyn Heights Promenade, the east side of Lower Manhattan," as early as 5 p.m.

Also kicking off at around the same time is the Empire State Building Light Show. Just find a place that gives you a "clear view of the skyscraper" and you're good to go, Gothamist said.

Queens

Watch the Mets test their mettle against the Texas Rangers at 7 p.m. for as low as $18. Then watch the fireworks after the game from the stands.

Staten Island

Those on the island can enjoy "a ball game and a firework show" on Friday night. First pitch is at 7 p.m. and the fireworks come out at the end of the game at Richmond Country Bank Ballpark, of course.