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Top Spots to Watch 4th of July Fireworks

By Della Hasselle | June 29, 2011 3:13pm | Updated on July 4, 2011 12:04pm

By Della Hasselle

DNAinfo Reporter/Producer

MANHATTAN — Patriotic firepower will boom this Independence Day when 40,000 fireworks explode in the sky for this year's Macy's 4th of July Fireworks show, a "Gift of Freedom"— themed tribute for the Statue of Liberty's 125th anniversary.

Millions are expected to see a "kaleidoscope of brilliant colors and jaw-dropping effects stretch for two miles across the Hudson River," executive producer Amy Kule said.

This year, the pyrotechnics will will include everything from stars and stripes to pink strobing jellyfish, and will be shown to a special patriotic theme and musical score.

The display will include renditions of "Star Spangled Banner" by Jennifer Hudson and "Amazing Grace" by LeAnn Rimes played on 1010 Wins, with synchronized fireworks shows of strobing shells, gold cascading waterfalls and two towers of light in tribute to September 11th.

"This year's show will reflect both the united pride of our nation and the variety of our dreams," said said Bill Schermerhorn, creative director of Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks.  "It's a birthday celebration for all of us."

Other performances by Beyonce and Nick Lachey will highlight multi-colored falling leaves, golden brocade fans and a grand finale of lighting and titanium salute shells expected to envelope the Hudson River.

All in all, the bright light spectacular will feature 50 different shape effects, 17 colors, and shells ranging in size from 1-inch to 10-inches in diameter, some weighing up to 35 pounds. An average of 1,600 shells will be launched per minute.

Click on "Where to Watch" for a list of great spots to see the commotion.