The biggest celebration in the area was the Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks show. The 25-minute display lit up the sky over the East River, and with the Brooklyn Bridge as the backdrop, it was truly a spectacular sight witnessed by hundreds of thousands of spectators.

The final preparations are underway for the 49th annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks special for a night of dazzling pyrotechnics across New York City’s skyline, with a star-studded lineup of live performances by country artists,

Over the years, people always say, ‘Oh you work in the fireworks business! You must have all kinds of fireworks in your backyard.’ It’s kind of the last thing we want to do,” he tells Popular Science.

With the Fourth of July falling on a Friday, Americans are taking advantage of the long weekend. AAA estimates 72 million people are traveling at least 50 miles for the holiday, which is 1.7 million more than last year.

Triple A officials say more than 70 million people will travel in some capacity over the Fourth of July holiday.

Friday marks the 249 th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence — and the Fourth of July holiday has become one filled with fireworks, musical celebrations and other flag-waving opportunities.

As Americans celebrate Independence Day with fireworks and parades, many businesses and services will alter their hours or close altogether for the Fourth of July. As is standard practice, U.S. stock markets will be closed on Friday in observance of Independence Day.