By Parveen Chopra, IANS
New York : The famous Manhattan night skyline was outshone by the spectacular fireworks display celebrating America's Independence Day. Some 40,000 fireworks exploded from eight barges on the surface of New York's East River in a half hour show set to music after dark July 4.
Despite intermittent rain, an estimated three million people watched the extravaganza from vantage points in New York. The show was also nationally televised.
The show, billed as the largest in the country, was not funded by the federal government but sponsored by Macy's, a chain departmental store.
The music for the programme included an original piece by award-winning composer Stephen Flaherty, patriotic songs and the themes of the movies "Superman" and "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest."
Performances by this year's "American Idol" top three contestants, Jordin Sparks, Blake Lewis and Melinda Doolittle, as well as Martina McBride and Joss Stone preceded the fireworks.
The holiday, however, fell in the middle of the week on a Wednesday, spoiling the fun for some who couldn't combine it with a weekend.
Indian children burst crackers on their own in some neighourhoods in New York City. For them it was like Diwali but they had to do it stealthily because private fireworks are not allowed here.