Democratic Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, Republican City Council Member Kristy Marmorato (CD 13), Rafael Rogers, president of the Business Initiative Corporation of New York (BICNY), Rafael Rogers; Julias Drake, director of operations for the Bronx Tourism Council, The Grucci Family, “America’s First Family of Fireworks,” and Monica Morales, emcee and PIX 11 reporter and host of “Monica Makes It Happen,” joined together for the Annual Salute to the Land of the Free Fireworks Extravaganza at Pelham Parkway’s Orchard Beach on Thursday, June 2, to advance of Independence Day.

 

Representatives from the Bronx Tourism Council had earlier recommended to attendees to get to the event a little early in order to benefit from a quick yoga session taught by @pearlmovementstudio. “We can’t wait!” they added.

 

“Our Annual Salute to the Land of the Free Fireworks Extravaganza at Orchard Beach is one of our crown jewel events in The Bronx and a great way to kick off the upcoming July 4th celebration,” said Gibson.

 

“I am grateful to be joined by PIX 11’s Monica Morales; President of the Business Initiative Corporation of New York, Rafael Rogers; Director of Operations for the Bronx Tourism Council, Julius Drake; and all our sponsors and supporters that helped make this year’s event a success,” she added.

 

The evening began with performances by D.J. Ralph Mercado, followed by Uptown Royalty’s Jodie Music & Ron Renaissance. Sponsors of the event were Montefiore Einstein, PIX 11, Cricket Wireless, Con Edison, the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation, the NYPD, and the FDNY.

The event was held in Section 5 of Orchard Beach, near the Handball Courts.

Marmorato, who represents the East Bronx neighborhoods of West Farms, Soundview-Bruckner-Bronx River, Castle Hill-Unionport, Westchester Square, Throgs Neck-Schuylerville, Pelham Bay-Country Club-City Island, Co-op City, Hart Island, Ferry Point Park-St. Raymond Cemetery, Pelham Parkway-Van Nest, Morris Park, and Pelham Bay Park, later said of the event, “Last night, Orchard Beach and District 13 saw a beautiful fireworks display.”

She added, “Thank you to my colleagues & sponsors for making this happen. I remind everyone to remember the incredible liberties and freedoms we have, as we live in the best borough, city and country!”

 

Montefiore Einstein’s BOLD calendar of events for July 2024 is attached. BOLD is a free Bronx wellness program for cancer patients/survivors and a community outreach and engagement initiative of Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center. Interested parties are invited to register for events by emailing CANCERSUPPORT@EINSTEINMED.EDU or calling (718) 430-2380.