| In honor of Independence Day in Boston, fireworks | | | | The Boston Pops concert on July 4th ends with |
| over the Charles River on July 4th mark a spectacular | | | | Tchaikovsky's exciting 1812 Overture, complete with |
| finish to several days of celebration. If you're visiting | | | | drumrolls and real cannon fire. At the same time, |
| Boston during this period, you'll also have the | | | | church bells ring all over the city. This is the signal that |
| opportunity to celebrate this important holiday in the | | | | the spectacular Boston fireworks are about to begin. |
| place where American liberty began. Let's take a quick | | | | The fireworks light up the city and can be seen for |
| look at the events that you can enjoy, and then I'll | | | | miles away. The show begins about 10pm and lasts |
| share some tips about how you can get the most out | | | | for about half an hour. Bostonians look forward to it all |
| of them. | | | | year, and it always seems to end too soon. |
| Boston's 6-day Harborfest Fourth of July Festival, | | | | If you are planning to attend the Boston Pops concert |
| believed to be the biggest patriotic celebration in | | | | and fireworks on the 4th, here are the top 5 tips for |
| America, kicks off the events leading up to | | | | getting the most enjoyment from the event: |
| Independence Day. Boston is often called the "Cradle | | | | 1. If you want to sit in the Oval, the area in front of the |
| of Liberty" because of the actions of local patriots | | | | Hatch Shell where you can see the Boston Pops |
| such as Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, and Dr. Joseph | | | | musicians, you must arrive very early and wait in line. |
| Warren in promoting the idea that British rule should | | | | Entrances open at 9am. Arrive at 6am to be sure of |
| end, and this festival ensures that their ideas and | | | | getting in. |
| courage are remembered. | | | | 2. If you are primarily interested in the Boston |
| During Harborfest, over 200 historical re-enactments, | | | | fireworks, you can sit anywhere along the banks of |
| concerts, tours, and performances take place in the | | | | the Charles, either on the Esplanade on the Boston |
| oldest parts of the city and along Boston's historic | | | | side or along the banks on the Cambridge side. Or you |
| Freedom Trail. You'll see so many guides and | | | | can watch from anywhere else that has an |
| performers in Colonial dress that you'll begin to think | | | | unobstructed view. |
| that you've returned to the 18th century. | | | | 3. If you're coming into the city just for the concerts or |
| On July 3rd and July 4th, the Boston Pops perform 2 | | | | the fireworks, take public transportation. |
| spectacular concerts in the Hatch Shell performance | | | | 4. Bring lots of sunscreen, something comfortable to sit |
| arena on Boston's Esplanade next to the Charles | | | | on, a water bottle, perhaps something to eat, and an |
| River. Both concerts are free, and although seating | | | | umbrella. Yes, Boston has been known to have rain |
| within sight of the performers is somewhat limited, | | | | and even thunderstorms on the 4th. |
| speaker towers broadcast the music throughout the | | | | 5. If you're arriving early, bring a good book to read. |
| park. | | | | And don't forget your camera. |