Nassau touts its fireworks as Jones Beach alternative

With the annual Jones Beach Fourth of July fireworks show nixed this year because of state budget woes, Nassau County is trying snagging the spotlight with its own display on July 3 at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow.

But as reporter Bill Bleyer highlights in a story Thursday, there could be a big space shortage:

The Eisenhower Park event usually attracts a capacity audience of 30,000 people, so it's not clear where disappointed Jones Beach patrons would fit in.

.... Spokesman Michael Martino said there is room for 8,000 people on the hill near the lake in the East Meadow park plus 22,000 elsewhere in the park and at nearby Nassau Community College. He added that those spaces are typically filled and police turn away additional people.

The "Celebrate America" Grucci Fireworks show, in its seventh run, will be sponsored by TD Bank.

The Beach Bummz, a Beach Boys tribute band, will also perform at the event.