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Fourth of July Fireworks Organizers Make Final Preparations

By Test Reporter | June 28, 2010 7:16pm | Updated on June 29, 2010 6:38am

By Tara Kyle

DNAinfo Reporter/Producer

MANHATTAN — Somewhere in the five boroughs, on six barges along a pier, workers are scrambling to assemble the inner workings of fireworks — from mortars and shells to circuit boards — as they make the final preparations for the annual Macy's 4th of July fireworks show.

This year's display, slated for Sunday evening, will feature a soundtrack heavy on "red-blooded American classics," according to Robin Hall, an Upper West Side resident who has served as executive producer of the event since 2001. Selections will include "When the Saints Go Marchin' In" and "Boogie-Woogie Bugle Boy."

An unconventional color palette will also highlight this year's show, according to Hall. Instead of traditional red, white, blue and metallic fireworks, jewel tones will feature prominently in the display.

Sweltering temperatures Monday didn't prevent the Macy's crew from taking on the delicate act of setting up fireworks.
Sweltering temperatures Monday didn't prevent the Macy's crew from taking on the delicate act of setting up fireworks.
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DNAinfo/Tara Kyle

The score, provided this year by the "New York Pops," gets composed and edited long before the fireworks themselves are purchased from vendors across Europe and Asia.

Gary Souza, a California resident who designs the pyrotechnics for the show, said listening to the recording and trying to understand the passion behind each selected song is his first priority.

"I sit there and say 'ah,' as those feelings come together," he said. "Does it feel like it's red and hot? Does it feel like it's fun and rhythmic? Does it feel like it's got some whistles and booms? And we can take the fireworks and make it all blend together."

In order to bring those ideas to life, about 80 people at a location that cannot be disclosed for security reasons labored under 96-degree heat on Monday.

Many more will join them in the final days leading up to Sunday's show. The exacting details of their work are vital to the event's success, because its exorbitant costs (Hall would not provide a dollar amount) prevent any sort of trial run.

"I can only see this in my mind," said Souza. "So until we actually get this on the river, I don't know what it's going to look like other than my dream. It's great to see that unfold."