Albany prepares for a BIG Fourth of July Celebration at the Empire State Plaza

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — In preparation for one of the Capital Region's largest Independence Day celebrations, crews are working hard. On Friday, the city's annual Fourth of July event presented by Market 32 and Price Chopper is expected to draw over 20,000 people to Empire State Plaza, where there will be food, fireworks, and live music for all ages.

“This is really an opportunity for all of us to come together and not just enjoy great food and beverage and beautiful weather and this majestic setting of the Empire State Plaza,” said Mona Golub, Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs for Market 32 and Price Chopper, “but it's an opportunity for all of us to remember the essence of the 4th of July and what our independence really means.”

The tradition began to commemorate the bicentennial of the country. The event has become a regional staple, and the partnership between Market 32 and Price Chopper with the New York State Office of General Services has persisted for almost 50 years.

“We are so looking forward to welcoming so many folks here at an annual event that we do every single year,” said Kristen Hanifin, Associate Commissioner of Special Events and Visitor Services for OGS. “It’s very, very exciting.”

This year’s event will feature expanded entertainment, including a second stage at the base of The Egg, as well as an all new kids area featuring The Westchester Circus.

“There will be aerialists, acrobats, and a lot of cool and exciting things for the whole family to enjoy,” Hanifin said. “We will have over 25 food vendors all on both sides and there's pretty much something for everybody.”

Food options range from Caribbean specialties to lobster to fair food and so much more. Organizers say this is also the official kickoff to “Summer at the Plaza,” with more events planned through the season.

Of course, the main event remains the fireworks. Organizers are promising their biggest display yet.

“We’ve made sure that each and every year we out do the fireworks display from the year before,” Golub said. “And this is the very best and biggest fireworks display in the region.”

John Flanagan with Santore’s World Famous Fireworks believes this is going to be a show you cannot miss out on!

“You’ll see the reflection of the fireworks in the water as well,” Flanagan said. “And we’ll probably have close to 4,000 shells going off in the water.”

He added that this is the largest show they’re doing in the area. “We will do 150 shows over the next three days, and this is one of the biggest ones… THE biggest one in the area, so this is the place to come.”

Grounds open at 4 PM and the event will run from 5 PM-10 PM!