Jones Beach gets ready to put on its annual July Fourth fireworks

Thousands of candy-colored floral patterns will illuminate the sky over the Atlantic Ocean at Jones Beach State Park this Thursday to celebrate the 248th birthday of the nation. 

The park will host its annual Fourth of July fireworks show Thursday at 9:30 p.m. The 5,000 firework shells, which cost $134,000, are inspired by Barbie, Beyoncé and Taylor Swift. The show will be roughly 25 minutes long and will be performed by Garden State Fireworks. 

Long Island beachgoers will “see all sorts of designs that are new and synchronized to music so you'll be able to hear and see a very entertaining program,” George Gorman, regional director of New York State Parks, said. “It's very patriotic, with a blend of modern music with the traditional patriotic music.” 

Planning for events such as the Independence Day fireworks takes time and coordination. Park officials will begin prepping next year's show just weeks after this year's festivities.

Park officials anticipate up to 175,000 people will visit the beach for the July Fourth holiday. In preparation for the crowds, park officials will have 230 lifeguards, 400 seasonal staff members, and will supply 240 portable restrooms.

Gorman advises people to get to the park early for the fireworks and then linger afterward to let traffic ease. 

“We have our traffic management plan to get everyone in as quickly as we can, and after the show, to get them out as quickly as we can,” Gorman said. “But we do encourage everyone to get here early; the earlier you get here, the less likely you'll hit traffic.” 

The park will also see a strong police presence. Roughly 12 to 15 police agencies will be deployed, including the New York State Park Police, New York State Troopers, the Wantagh Fire Department and the United States Coast Guard.

“We put together what we call a unified command center, and we will provide a robust law enforcement presence during the day and during the firework show,” said Anthony Astacio, major commanding officer of the New York State Park Police on Long Island, adding that there will be enforcement of drone restrictions. 

Throughout the show, the boardwalk will feature children's entertainment, musical performances and an assortment of food. 

Elias Trahanas, co-owner of Yummier Beach Club, a restaurant on the boardwalk, said his business will be ready for the crowds.

“It's gonna be a great crowd; we're going to be very well staffed,” Trahanas said. “We're going to have a variety of foods where people can come early, stay late [and] there's going to be a great food festival here.” 

There will be new July Fourth food options, he said, including Philly cheesesteaks, sausage and peppers, deep fried Oreos and a milkshake bar. Other food tents will also be present on the boardwalk.