Community Corner
What's Banned at the Pops Fourth of July Show?
Tighter security for the Boston Pops Firework Spectacular will include bag checks, limited entry points and more police patrols.
The 40th year of the Boston Pops Firework Spectacular will be marked with an increase in security patrol, video surveillance and bag searches.
"Open air celebrations are always a concern around the country especially after 9/11," Massachusetts State Police Colonel Timothy Alben said. "With recent events here, it gave us cause to look at [past security protocol] more intensely."
While additional security measures are a result of the Boston Marathon bombings, state police said that no threats have been made regarding July 4 celebrations.
"I want to assure the public that extra steps have been taken to ensure this is a safe place to take their family," Alben said.
Security measures
According to state police, there will be an increase in uniformed patrol as well as undercover, plain-clothed officers throughout the event area.
State police would be visible in yellow vests and authorities have encouraged visitors to "approach them with any concerns."
Additional surveillance cameras will be installed around the Esplanade before the event and used for live monitoring. Alben said the cameras would benefit future events as well as the Fourth of July celebration.
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This year's celebration will also be the first year concert-goers can send anonymous, event-related tips to law enforcement by texting the keyword Boston4 to 67238.
Boston Emergency Medical Services also said that more staff and medical tents would be available throughout the premises.
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Getting in
For the first time, the Esplanade will be divided into two seperate sections for the Boston Pops July 4 Celebration: "Oval Access" for those who want to watch the concert at the Hatch Shell and "Lagoon Access" for those who want to see the fireworks.
Event-goers will have to pick between either section of the Esplanade and there will be no access between both areas.
All bags will be searched at the entrance with metal detector wands. Visitors and bags will be given matching colored wristbands. Allowed items must be checked in at the entrance.
- Oval Access to the Hatch Shell: Entrance to the Hatch Shell will be located between the Clarendon foot bridge and the Berkley foot bridge most accessible from Berkley Street.
- Lagoon Access: The checkpoint for the lagoon and island areas of the Esplanade can be accessed from the Claredon, Exeter and Fairfield foot bridges on July 3. July 4 the Fairfield foot bridge will be exit only.
What's allowed, what's banned
Securty personnel at the entrances will check for these prohibited items:
- Backpacks
- Weapons
- Fireworks
- Glass containers
- Coolers with wheels
- Cans
- Pre-mixed beverages
- Grills
Allowed items include:
- Blankets/tarps no larger than 10' x 12'
- Pop-up tents/canopies without sides
- Folding chairs
- Shoulder strap or single handle coolers
- Small clutch bags and purses
- Personal items must be in clear bags
On July 4, no items will be allowed into the event after 4 p.m.
Transportation
Massachusettes Bay Transportation Authority officials are encouraging Boston Pops celebration visitors to arrive at the Esplanade by MBTA transportation.
The T will add extra services on all lines for July 4 especially during "rush hour" from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. No fare will be charged after 9:30 p.m and the last outbound train will leave at 12:50 a.m.
The commuter rail will operate on a Saturday schedule and the Middleborough and Newburyport lines will cease operation during the fireworks display. They will resume after the fireworks end.
Schedule
Wednesday, July 3rd Concert
4:00PM Oval opens
7:30PM Concert begins
9:00PM Concert Ends
NO FIREWORKS DISPLAY ON JULY 3RD
-------------------------------------------------
Thursday, July 4th Concert and Fireworks
10:00AM Oval entrance checkpoint opens
6:00PM WBZ AM 1030 and WCRB 99.5 FMM broadcast begins
7:00PM 89.7 WGBH Boston Public Radio simulcast and WBZ-TV broadcast begins
7:30PM Concert begins
9:30PM Fireworks begin
10:00PM Concert and Fireworks end
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