Amid declining crime rates reported across the state, the Fourth of July weekend this year was marked with fatal fireworks incidents, drownings, shootings and burned buildings. From a drowning in Lake George to two Schenectady homes that burned down due to discarded fireworks,

The biggest celebration in the area was the Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks show. The 25-minute display lit up the sky over the East River, and with the Brooklyn Bridge as the backdrop, it was truly a spectacular sight witnessed by hundreds of thousands of spectators.

From the best places to view the fireworks to some alternative ways to celebrate, check out the best 4th of July events in NYC!