A Patriotic Brawl
Despite the heavy rain and thunderstorms, an estimated three million spectators turned out for [Macys Fourth of July fireworks display] last night, billed as the largest show in the nation. Now that's patriotism. And viewers, many of whom crowded onto the FDR or watched from balconies and rooftops, were not disappointed. For thirty minutes, eight barges stationed on the East River and at the South Street Seaport set off upwards of 40,000 shells, filling the sky with explosive color. And the water was also alight, as the show featured new special nautical shells that were fired downwards and exploded on the rivers surface. While we didnt really notice any reverse pyrotechnics, we did see lots of cool smiley faces, hearts, stars and planets, in addition to the expected starbursts. For some amazing shots of the event, click [here](http://www.flickr.com/photos/drierp/sets/72157600661405319/).
Meanwhile, on Staten Island, [28 people were arrested] and five police officers hurt last night after one man tried to give Macys some competition with a little fireworks spectacular of his own. Police officers responded to a large house party in Rosebank, Staten Island where guests were illegally setting off fireworks. But when police went to arrest a 25-year-old responsible for the display, angry partygoers revolted, determined to celebrate the nations independence with a bit of their own. They surrounded police officers in a threatening manner. Police officers were fearful for their own safety, Richmond County D.A. Daniel Donovan Jr. told [ABCs Eyewitness News](http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=local&id=5451620)(http://wcbstv.com/topstories/local_story_186071550.html). Reportedly, [50-60 people](http://wcbstv.com/topstories/local_story_186071550.html) were involved in the scuffle, and those arrested now face charges ranging from assault to inciting a riot. The officers were taken to hospitals to be treated for minor injuries.
Police clearly had a busy night. In addition to dealing with the riotous Staten Islanders, they also seized more than 800 illegal fireworks. But hey, whats a good party without illegal substances, a good brawl and a few dozen arrests?
Photo courtesy of [diametrik on Flickr]