MORE THAN 150 tall ships and classic sailing vessels from the world over, along with 40 modern warships of 23 navies, are headed for New York, centerpiece of the national millennium celebration of Independence Day. Events of OpSail will run July 3-9.
http://www.msnbc.com/news/422809.asp

Anything decided here yet? If not, please note, at this late date, that Joan Jett will be also be doing a FREE Summerstage concert in Cental Park on the 4th! That, along with the new four corner fireworks display, should surely wrap up NYC as the best http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif
http://www.nytoday.com/scripts/staticpag e.dll?categoryid=30&only=y&spage=AE/genListing/genListing_details.htm&id=203322&ck=&ver=hb1.40

[This message has been edited by doc (edited 06-30-2000).]

Or you could check out Chicago's multi-stage music event in Grant Park, amid the week-long "Taste of Chicago" festival. Entertainment will be topped-off on July 3rd with the world-renowned orcheststral-fireworks spectacular.

http://www.cityofchicago.org/Special...rformance.html

Jon - perhaps you can advise me... I am visiting Boston for the first time, arriving about 6.30 pm July 4th and staying at the Hyatt Cambridge. The two things I want to know are - 1. where should I go to get the best view of the fireworks and 2. Given that I only have the daytime of the 5th to look round, (until about 6 pm), what should I make sure I see. TIA.

For a true pyrotechniphobe why limit yourself to just the fourth. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif
Toronto is hosting the International Fireworks Competition - we saw the So. Africa presentation on June 17
Upcoming Australia July 1
Spain July 5 (last year's champion)
Grand Finale July 8 http://www.toronto.com/E/E/TORON/0024/18/25/

If you REALLY want some fireworks, check out Wichita, Kansas (ICT).

Host to McConnell AFB, home to a fleet of F-16's and (yes!) B-1's, you'll get an unforgettable low-altitude supersonic flyby on full-afterburner that will leave you discombobulated by the sight of these vicious aircraft silently zipping by, blue flame streaking behind, and then *BAM!* The noise and shockwaves catch up, ripping and crackling the air, so loud it feels like your guts are being ripped out of your chest.

And THEN the roman candles go up...

Whew, I get goosebumps just thinking about it!

[This message has been edited by FQTV (edited 06-28-2000).]

James:

Since you are arriving pretty late, you will not be able to get a good spot by the Charles River or in the front of the Esplanade.

Nevertheless, since you are at he Hyatt Cambridge (walking distance feom where I used to live) which faces the river, you may be able to get fairly good view from your room (depending on its view of course), at the Hyatt's restaurants or on its top floor/Regency Club lounge.

Thanks Ken - any (extra) tips on what I should see on the daytime of the 5th?

Wow, take your computer to the shop and forget about a new topic you posted! Thanks a lot for all the suggestions, but I decided to extend my FAQ trip later on in July, and stay at home for the 4th. Due to friends telling me they don't see me enough, and the time constraint on a transcon trip (NY and DC were very tempting, especially DC 'cause the folk festival is happening), I made the decision on Monday. And RT PDX-SFO was 106 dollars! yes, SFO was in the running...

one less trip...there's just not enough time in the world! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

Linda

Ling,
It is not held on July 4th, but "Thunder over Louisville" is billed as the largest fireworks display in the world. Its held in April during the opening ceremonies of Kentucky Derby week and it is the best I have seen in over a dozen cities. Another part of the event is a great airshow earlier in the day.

James: The Hyatt Regency in Cambridge is very nice, but it's a fairly antiseptic introduction to Boston. You have to venture outside of the hotel to chance having beer spilled on you by the closest things we have in America to the Lager Louts you're no doubt accustomed to. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Do they actually permit Oxford folks to stay in Cambridge?

You may want to be sure, james, to leave your Oxford colors at home so as not to reveal yourself and be subjected to ridicule in Cambridge! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

Perhaps you can wear a nice Cambridge blue polo or rugby shirt as a disguise! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Or is that the other Cambridge? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/eek.gif

Apologies in advance for the poor attempt at "humour" here!

BTW- The NYC 4th celebration is being touted as the absolute greatest (largest) fireworks display ever on the face of the earth! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Also, the collection put together for Opsail is expected to be the largest collection (over 70k) of seaworthy vessels ever assembled! Someone remarked that you should be able to walk from the Battery to the Statue of Liberty! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

[This message has been edited by doc (edited 07-03-2000).]

That was rude, Rich :P

Originally posted by FQTV:
If you REALLY want some fireworks, check out Wichita, Kansas.
...you'll get an unforgettable low-altitude supersonic flyby on full-afterburner that will leave you discombobulated by the sight of these vicious aircraft silently zipping by, blue flame streaking behind, and then *BAM!* The noise and shockwaves catch up, ripping and crackling the air, so loud it feels like your guts are being ripped out of your chest.
*********************************************
FQTV, if you really want excitement come watch my personal video of the Gulf War. Not to mention our harrowing tales of being in Full Alert Mode at our NATO base and the constant bomb checks and other security measures. The F-16 and B-1 are loud, but not much into aerodynamics except the Lawn Darts modified for the Thunderbirds Aerial Stunt Team.

Wichita, KS, McConnell? Come on, you can do better than that! LOL For real excitement, find out where the Navy Blue Angels are for July 4th (usually DC show) and pack up and see the best. No, I'm not Navy. Was AF Civilian for 12 years and was Air Show Director at Davis-Monthan in Tucson for four years, home of the A-10 Warthog tank killers.

The Thunderbirds are ok, but the BLUES ARE BEST!


[This message has been edited by spartacus (edited 07-01-2000).]