NYC - 4th (Fourth) of July 2008 Fireworks
Viewing from Roosevelt Island

View the annual July 4th fireworks display in the East River at Southpoint along the southern tip of Roosevelt Island.

There will be entertainment for the kids, a food court plus a live band

Tickets are $20
Available Online -
(CREDIT CARDS ONLY)
& Visit the official website to learn about purchasing tickets online:
http://www.rioc.com/fireworks.htm
--

Gates open at: 5:00 pm.
As per a previous year:
4,500 Guaranteed Seats Rain or Shine

Extras: Entertainment and Expanded Food Court

Note: Fireworks viewing areas are not paved.
Chairs including beach & lawn chairs. Seating is provided for all ticket holders.

PROHIBITED:
- Beach Umbrellas
- Large coolers, or oversized backpacks. All items are subject to search.
- Fireworks, sharp objects, and weapons of any kind
- Bicycles (Bicycles brought to the site may be chained inside the main gate but may not be taken into the seating area.
  Please remember to bring a chain & lock with you
if you must reach the Festival by bicycle.)
- Camera tripods and lighting equipment.
- Boom-boxes. Music is broadcast throughout the evening.
*ALL BAGS SUBJECT TO SEARCH*
*SOLICITING AT THE EVENT IS PROHIBITED*

About the Island and its history:

This stretch of land nestled within the boroughs of Manhattan and Queens within the East River is named after Franklin D. Roosevelt who had become Governor of New York State in January of 1929. Although, the Island wasn't always so named. Originally it was known Blackwell's Island which according to one source was quite the eyesore and also where New York City's most dangerous and desperate folks were kept in and around the 1800s and early 1900s. The island was the location of a penitentiary, workhouse, insane asylum and the Hospital for the Incurables amongst others.

It was later on in time that it was renamed Welfare Island in 1921 and then Roosevelt Island in 1973. Note that it wasn't until the 1970s that a large residential development was built. Since then it has become the attractive locale that is seen today.

Roosevelt Island is approximately 1.5 miles long and narrowly shaped with South Point Park at the southernmost end and Lighthouse Park on the northern end. Mind you, there is actually a lighthouse at the aforementioned park which can be seen from Carl Schurz Park located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan along the East River. The Only actual land connection between it and the rest of NYC is the Roosevelt Island Bridge which goes from the northern edge of Blackwell Park to 36th Avenue in Long Island City, Queens. Aside from this there is also the subway connection through the F Transit Line as well as the Aerial Tram which connects the island to Manhattan's 60th Street at 2nd Avenue.

Ticket-holders will not only be treated to the spectacular fireworks show,
but there will also be a live band performnig from 6:00pm until the fireworks begin. Gates will open at 5 p.m. and chairs will be provided for all ticket holders. Large coolers, alcoholic beverages, oversized bags and backpacks are not permitted on site, and all bags are subject to search.

Directions to Roosevelt Island:

• One way to access Roosevelt Island is through the Tram which is located at 60th Street and 2nd Avenue. The travel time across the East River is approximately 4 to 5 minutes and it's a treat onto itself to see the Queensboro Bridge from this vantage point, or
• You can take the F subway line to the Roosevelt Island Station, or
• For further information on getting to Roosevelt Island visit: http://www.rioc.com/transportation.htm