HICKSVILLE, NY (TIP): The skies over Long Island‘s most popular oceanfront park will be illuminated in dazzling colors Friday night as throngs of New Yorkers head to Jones Beach to catch a glimpse of the annual July 4 fireworks show., Newsday reports. But a word to the wise for those looking to enjoy the annual show: get there early as parking at Jones Beach tends to fill up hours before the show.

The 25-minute Jovia Financial Credit Union Fireworks Spectacular at Jones Beach begins at 9:30 p.m. and is expected to paint the night sky with colorful patterns and floral designs. Last year’s show drew 195,000 people — more than the 175,000 guests that were expected, according to state officials.

And with the forecast clear all day Friday, with temperatures in the low-80s and upper-70s, officials expect large crowds and crowded parking lots.

State officials advise people to get to the park early for the fireworks and then linger afterward to let traffic ease.

“We are advising that for those who wish to attend the fireworks program to plan on arriving by 7:30 p.m.,” said George Gorman, regional director of New York State Parks. “Traffic begins to back up significantly at 8 p.m.”

The show is expected to include patriotic tunes such as “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue,” “America” and “God Bless the U. S. A,” along with modern sing-along anthems like “Defying Gravity,” “Levitating,” “Hot to Go.”

The fireworks are included in the $10 parking admission. Radio stations WALK 97.5 FM and KJOY-98.3 FM will simulcast music during the fireworks presentation.

Costumed characters from Beauty and the Beast and Spiderman will walk the boardwalk from 4 p.m.to 7 p.m. to interact and take photos with the public. A band will be playing live music beginning at 8 p.m. until the start of the fireworks and then from 10 p.m. until 11 p.m. following the show.

During the day, guests can head to the boardwalk for an interactive green screen photo booth experience featuring patriotic and summer scenes.
Happy 4th of July!
(With inputs from Newsday)