Enjoying a Safe 4th of July Weekend

Summer’s main holiday is just days away! The 4th of July is coming up on Saturday and there are a few ways to enjoy it safely.

As workers and families plan to enjoy a much needed day off, beaches are officially opening Wednesday, July 1 across the city. Remember to wear a mask, practice social distancing, and pack some hand sanitizer along with your sunscreen! NYC Parks has some service changes and safety notices listed online for anyone planning a beach trip which you should read before you visit. Also, with outdoor activity ramping up, it’s important to stay safe as you use public facilities, including bathrooms. Check out this New York Times article about using public restrooms during a pandemic. Additionally, the annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks show will happen across the boroughs over the course of the week, having begun on Monday, June 29. The fireworks are being set off at a higher elevation so that it’s easier for New Yorkers to enjoy them without gathering in groups.

You also won’t want to miss a special broadcast from Lincoln Center for this Independence Day. On Saturday, July 4 at 1:00pm, Lincoln Center and Voices of a People’s History of the United States will premiere a video work celebrating the social justice heroes of the past and present, featuring spoken word performances by 17 graduating seniors of the Maxine Greene School for Imaginative Inquiry in NYC. Tune in on Facebook or Lincoln Center’s website. 

The 4^th of July is also a popular holiday for cookouts and special meals and drinks. Let some of Lincoln Square’s local businesses help you have a more delicious holiday! Breads Bakery is offering special picnic baskets for takeout and delivery, featuring cheese, fruits, rugelach, and more. Call (212) 633-2253 to order. PJ Clarke’s is selling a welcome back special for the holiday weekend featuring a 3lb lobster for two with beer! Available from Thursday, July 3-Saturday, July 4—call (212) 957-9700 for info and reservations. Atlantic Grill is also doing delicious to-go lobster dinners for two, featuring two 1.25lb lobsters, available Saturdays and Sundays. Call (212) 787-4663 for orders. You can also order from The Smith at Home to grab a special burger kit that feeds four for some festive grilling to enjoy the holiday afternoon. They are also offering various family meals that serve four, perfect for a special park picnic or an at home meal. Order online here.

Be safe, stay healthy, and happy 4^th of July!

Photo credit: NYC Parks