4th of July 2009 in New York City

The picture says it all, but just so we have something to yak about, there's been a few changes to the 4th of July celebrations in New York City this year.

To start with, the Macy's Fireworks display returns to the Hudson River for the first time since 2000, to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s voyage, which in other words is New York's 400th birthday.

(Update: Photos of Macy's Fourth of July fireworks as seen from Jersey City and Weehawken. )

Secondly, the Obama Administration has decided to re-open the Statue of Liberty's Crown to visitors on the 4th of July, which has been closed to the public since 9/11.

So what we have here is a triple celebration of America's Independence, New York's 400th birthday and the re-affirmation of America as the land of the free - symbolized by the once-again welcoming embrace of the Statue of Liberty - unquestionably one of the top tourist attractions in New York.

The Fourth of July, 2009 in New York City is going to be one heck of a party - bigger and better and much more fun than the last few years.

Shown to the right is the Macy's fireworks map for 2009. The show kicks off on Saturday, July 4, at 9:00 PM. American River, the theme of the 33rd annual Macy’s Fireworks, will give more than two million spectators and millions of viewers nationwide America’s most spectacular showcase of brilliant colors, jawdropping effects and thunderous sound.

The patriotic revelry will feature approximately 40,000 shells exploding in a kaleidoscope of color at a rate of more than 1,500 per minute. The 26-minute display, designed in collaboration with SOUSA Fireworks, will be set off from six barges positioned between 24th and 50th Streets on the Hudson River giving New York City residents a stunning front row seat to America’s biggest Independence Day party.

All those best-vantage spots in Brooklyn and FDR Drive for watching the spectacular 4th of July fireworks are no good this year, since Macy's ditched the East River and they're paddling up the Hudson to join the NYC 400 celebrations - the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson's first exploration.

The effects can be best viewed from Manhattan's West Side, or from across the river in New Jersey. Detailed viewing information and other spectator tips are available at www.macys.com/fireworks or by calling the Macy’s Fireworks Hotline at (212) 494-4495.

Brooklyn might have lost the fireworks, but no one can take away the famed hot dog eating contest at Nathan's Famous in Brooklyn's Coney Island. Video of last year's amazing contest to the right. This year promises to be just as big and just as fantastic.

I mean, you're watching people stuff dozens and dozens of hot dogs down their throats, and watch their eyes grow bigger, the veins bulging in their necks, tears streaming down their eyes - Could it be any better than this?

If you're looking for some travel planning help, here's some nice tips from NYCtourist.com, including a nice 4th of July cruise. For visitor information, check out NYCgo.com - New York's official tourism website.

And if you're looking for New York hotels for the first week of July, here's some nice tips from the TripAdvisor NYC forum.

NYC.com has a full listing of all scheduled events in New York City, categorized by date.

Statue of Liberty photo by Jim Brickett via flickr (creative commons).