Fourth of July - Celebrating Independence Day in Queens

• Update - The fireworks in 2009 will not be over the East River this year, but over the Hudson. Queens, we are out of luck. Not Long Island City, but Jersey City will be the best place to see fireworks July 4, 2009. Rats!

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.

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.

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 and you must reserve tickets in advance. See http://watertaxibeach.com/ for details.

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

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.

Get an early start to July 4th weekend with live music and fireworks in Astoria Park on Monday, June 30. The Central Astoria Development Corporation sponsors this early Independence Day celebration. There will be live music by the Glen Miller Orchestra.

• When: Monday, June 30, 2008, music 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.

• Pre-Independence Day Jewish Music Concert at Freedom Square, June 29, 2008 - 7 p.m., free
• Children's magic show at 6 p.m., free
• At Freedom Square, 76th Ave and Main St, Kew Gardens Hills

For more information, call Jeff Gottlieb, Queens Jewish Historical Society, 917-376-4496.

• Independence Weekend Jewish Music Concert , July 6, 2008, 7 p.m., free
• Children's magic show at 6 p.m., free
• At MacDonald Park, 70th Rd and Queens Blvd, Forest Hills.

For more information, call Jeff Gottlieb, Queens Jewish Historical Society, 917-376-4496..

• 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.