Macy's July 4 fireworks event returns to in-person viewing in New York City

Macy's will host its annual Independence Day fireworks celebration in New York City next month, marking another sign that American life is returning to some sort of normal as local COVID restrictions are relaxed across the nation. 

Macy's has organized a fireworks celebration every July 4 since 1976, but this year's event will feature the largest pyrotechnics display ever, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said Thursday during a press conference. The clothing retailer said Thursday it plans to launch more than 65,000 firework shells from five barges for New York residents and a nationally televised audience at 9:25 p.m. on July 4. "Because people got vaccinated on such an extraordinary scale, it allows us to have many, many people in attendance," de Blasio said.