We went to a Brooklyn Bridge birthday party at my dad and stepmother’s apartment in Brooklyn Heights. They live on the 27th floor and we had a great view of the festivities from their apartment—which has windows on New York Harbor, Lower Manhattan, the bridge and more.

There was an even better view from the building’s roof deck, where many tenants and their guests had gathered.

Brit in Brooklyn took the picture you see at left. He has loads of great pictures at his flickr site. There’s a gorgeous one on his blog, as well. Thanks Brit in Brooklyn (Adrian Kinloch).

The fireworks surprised everyone at the party by beginning at 8:40. It seemed early; the sky was still light.

"Maybe they’re practicing," my stepmother said.

Don’t think so. The show began a few minute earlier than reported. There were Grucci barges on either side of the bridge, which sent euphoric splashes of firework’s color into the sky. The arches of the bridge were a light show of changing colors and the bright beam of kleig lights crossed in the sky.

Friends and neighbors, who sat on stools at my dad and sm’s living room and kitchen windows, ooohed and aaahed. Still, those who saw the Bridge’s 100 birthday celebration were disappointed.

"That was the 100th birthday," someone said.

But no-one will ever forget the fireworks waterfall that literally poured off the bridge that year (1983). t was breathtaking.

Still last night’s show was pretty wonderful. Even Hepcat, a veteran of many a fireworks display said, "They were pretty good, I guess.

Bleary eyed from all the problems with the  Jamie Livingston website, he is slowly working on getting those pictures up on OTBKB. In the meantine, enjoy Adrian’s pix.