The Fourth is fully back in Boston

BOSTON, Mass. — Boston’s traditional 4th of July celebration is back. The Boston Pops will perform at the hatch shell along with fireworks over the Esplanade.

On Friday, the sounds along the Esplanade were the final preps. “There is so much commotion going on, it’s exciting to see everyone back in the city, excited to celebrate,” said one woman. Robert Jose from Sharon was also on the Esplanade checking out the set up. “I’m ready for life to move on, bring it on, bring back the heat, bring back the entertainment. I’m ready,” said Jose.

COVID-19 shut the traditional Esplanade show down for two years in a row. “It was a little bit of a downer, not being able to go out and everything like that but it’s great to be back,” a man said. We also caught up with Steven Watson who had a handful of dogs as part of his dog walking business called The Pied Dog Walker. “It’s not supposed to be that quiet in Boston in July. Everyone is coming back and the weather is nice. It’s rejuvenating,” said Watson. But this year, the Fourth of July is fully back in Boston.  “Everyone is living again, so everything that was canceled they are ready to do it up,” said Jose.

Public safety officials are out here on the Esplanade, as well as state and federal law enforcement.

The two biggest changes this year: The rehearsal the night before on the 3rd is not open to the public this year, and the gates to the Esplanade on the 4th will open a few hours later.  This year it will be noon.

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