Fourth of July - Celebrating Independence Day in Queens

Fourth of July fireworks are an American tradition and a New York hallmark. Every year the Macy's fireworks show over the East River attracts thousands of spectators to crowded Manhattan streets. But it turns out the best place to see the fireworks is across the river in Long Island City, Queens.

Here's a guide to 4th of July fireworks and all Independence Day celebrations in Queens, New York.

Fourth of July Fireworks at Gantry Plaza State Park -- Best Spot in Queens: The famous Macy's July 4th fireworks show starts at 9 p.m., from three different locations around Manhattan. The East River is the most visible spot, and the fireworks are almost overhead from Gantry Plaza State Park on the Long Island City waterfront.

Gantry Plaza State Park is at the foot of the Queens West towers. See the park guide for directions and parking. Get there early for a spot. Gantry is a small park, and locals will be out in droves.

Note - Despite false rumors in 2006, Gantry is a public park and open to all. Because so many people come, the police do set up an entrance barrier. Just get there early.

Fourth of July at Water Taxi Beach: Another great spot to see the fireworks in Long Island City is from the Water Taxi Beach, just south of Gantry Plaza State Park. Plus at the Water Taxi beach you can gets drinks from the bar and food from the grill. However, you'll have to pay to get on the beach. It's $25 to enter any time of the day on July 4. (Normally, door charges start at 8 p.m. on summer weekends.)

Take the subway to the beach! Parking and traffic will be horrendous (directions to Water Taxi Beach).

Fourth of July Fireworks - Watching From Maspeth: Maspeth is on the last high ground in western Queens, and the neighborhood commons at Grand Avenue and 69th Street (just off the LIE) is prime for watching the Macy's Fourth of July fireworks. Sure, it's not as close as Gantry, but it's a good view, less crowded, and a real neighborhood tradition to gather there.

Fireworks in Astoria Park - June 29, 2007: Get an early start to July 4th weekend with live music and fireworks in Astoria Park on Friday, June 29. The Central Astoria Development Corporation sponsors this early Independence Day celebration. There will be live music by American Big Band Sound with The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra.

• When: Friday, June 29, 2007, starting at 7:30 p.m.
• Where: Astoria Park, on the waterfront in Astoria, between Hoyt Avenue and 22nd Road.

Afterwards, stop by the Bohemian Beer Garden or go out for a late dinner in Astoria.

Independence Sunday on Main Street in Kew Gardens Hills - July 1, 2007:

• Children's Magic Show by Yitz the Great with his magic and balloon art, noon-12:30 p.m. (Freedom Square, Vleigh Pl and Main St, across from post office)

• Fourth Annual Independence Sunday Concert at Freedom Square, 1-3 p.m. Enjoy the music of the Aish Orchestra and Singers, with refreshments from Dougie's Bar-B-Q.

For more information, call Jeff Gottlieb, Queens Jewish Historical Society, 917-376-4496. Organized by the Queens Jewish Historical Society and the Queens Jewish Community Council.

Independence Sunday in Forest Hills:

• Children's Magic Show by Yitz the Great with his magic and balloon art, 6:30-7 p.m. (MacDonald Park, Across from the U.S. Post Office and the Forest Hills Jewish Center)

• Fourth Annual Independence Sunday Concert at Freedom Square, 7-8:30 p.m. Enjoy the music of the Aish Orchestra and Singers.

For more information, call Jeff Gottlieb, Queens Jewish Historical Society, 917-376-4496. Organized by the Queens Jewish Historical Society and the Queens Jewish Community Council.

More Fourth of July Events in Queens:

• Forest Park Foraging - Gather your own food with "Wildman" Steve Brill to celebrate Independence Day.

• Skyline Princess - Dinner and fireworks cruise out of the Flushing Meadows Park marina.