NEW YORK, July 1 (Xinhuanet) -- Preparations are underway Friday for a Fourth of July city tradition, as crews put the finishing touches on the fireworks for the annual Macy's spectacular, the largest fireworks display in the country.

    This year's display will be the second largest in history, surpassed only by the Millennium celebration. The 30-minute salute to the nation's birthday, its armed forces and the Olympic spirit features more than 36,000 shells.

    "We've got vivid colors, we've got high-definition, high-tech fireworks, and really interesting patterns and effects for everyone this year," said Gary Souza of Sousa Fireworks.

    Crews are busy setting up seven barges for fireworks launching. The computer-driven spectacle will include a launching of more than 1,000 shells a minute.

    The fireworks will be set off from three locations, and police will seal off some areas along the East River for security reasons. Enditem