Hundreds of Bronx residents gathered at Orchard Beach on Thursday evening for the annual Bronx Fireworks Extravaganza, hosted by Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson and the Bronx Tourism Council. The beloved event, themed “A Salute to the Land of the Free,” brought together families from across the borough for a night of music, food, and patriotic celebration.
Gibson began the performance section of the night with a welcome address, where she mentioned the 50-year anniversary of the Vietnam war and thanked all service members and families in the audience.
“I am honored to represent the boogie-down Bronx,” Gibson said in her address.
Julius Drake, Director of Development at the Bronx Tourism Council, oversaw the event and its sponsors.
“Tonight, we celebrate the incredible spirit that makes the Bronx shine brighter than any star in the sky,” Drake said.
The beachfront celebration, which ran from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., featured live performances from DJ King Louie and Uptown Melody, family-friendly activities like bouncy castles, and community vendors, all leading up to a stunning fireworks display that lit up the night sky over Pelham Bay. Attendees waved flags, danced to local performers, and played in the sand as they celebrated the spirit of Independence Day a week early.
Jose Colon from the South Bronx has attended the fireworks celebration with his grandson for the past five years. At the celebration Tuesday evening, the pair was playing catch while waiting for their order from the food stand.
“Everybody comes to have a good time it’s very, very, very exciting,” Colon said. “It’s almost like the one at Macy’s, except here you don’t have to be in the big crowd.”
News 12’s Marissa Santorelli emceed the festivities, keeping energy high throughout the evening. BronxNet Television, a proud sponsor alongside News 12 The Bronx, live-streamed the event, allowing viewers at home to watch the ceremony and fireworks show.
“It’s always about showcasing the Bronx,” said Rob Walsh, President of The Bronx Economic Development Corporation. “You want to give people a good feeling about the Bronx and the direction it’s going – and fireworks are something that always brings people together.”
The celebration was a vibrant reflection of Bronx pride, unity, and resilience, marking the start of summer with joy and community spirit.
Two more Bronx natives set up their beach chairs hours before the start of the ceremony, ready for the event to begin.
“We’ve lived here our whole lives, so we look forward to this every year,” said Lena Nazario from Soundview. “Everybody’s here, it’s a good time! Something to look forward to.”
