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BOSTON HARBORFEST
FOURTH OF JULY ON THE ESPLANADE |
Boston was at the heart of the Revolution, and still reigns as the leader in patriotic fervor. The 23rd annual Boston Harborfest, June 30-July 5, boasts over 200 events, including historical reenactments, tours, harbor cruises and concerts.
Another one of Boston's best-known traditions, the annual Boston Pops concert at the Hatch Memorial Shell on the Esplanade, attracts hoards of spectators to the banks of the Charles River. This year, in addition to the usual musical and fireworks extravaganza, the winner of POPSearch 2004 will finally be unveiled. Inspired by the rabid popularity of "American Idol," the POPSearch contest began with the open audition of hundreds of aspirants earlier this month, all vying for a chance to perform as a vocal soloist for the masses on the Fourth of July. The contest concludes at a Pops concert on June 29 at Symphony Hall when the victor is chosen from three finalists by a panel of local celebrity judges. Then the winner gets to fulfill his or her dream of singing with the Pops on the big day-in front of about 500,000 onlookers!
And speaking of stiff competition, be prepared for
some flying elbows and firey gamesmanship, as many concertgoers line up at dawn
to stake their claim to one of the 8,000 coveted lawn spots in front of the
concert stage on Independence Day. Marking the concert's finale, Boston is
treated to an awe-inspiring firework display, ringing in the 4th in true
Revolutionary spirit.
With so much going on, it's easy to get lost in the action, so here's a handy
guide to help you stay ahead of the game.
Wednesday, June 30
The Boston Harborfest Opening Ceremonies kick off at noon at
Faneuil Hall. A greeting from Mayor Thomas Menino and a giant birthday cake
honoring our nation get things started, followed by a concert by Four Guys in
Tuxes, music by the Middlesex County Volunteers Fifes and Drums and an
appearance by the Color Guard from the U.S.S. Constitution.
Thursday, July 1
It's the 10th annual Children's Day! From 10 a.m.-3 p.m., City Hall Plaza is
transformed into a circus of jugglers, face painting, puppet shows and live
music. The event is designed to educate and entertain children, giving them the
chance to celebrate their nations birth. It's free and fun for both kids and
their parents.
Friday, July 2
Come on down to City Hall Plaza to enjoy a free Noontime Concert featuring the
cast of the musical blockbuster Mamma Mia belting out your favorite ABBA tunes
until 3 p.m. Afterward, enjoy a Sunset Parade at the Charlestown Navy Yard
adjacent to the U.S.S. Constitution from 7-8:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 3
Still have a hankering for some red, white and blue fun? Then head to City Hall
Plaza for another Noontime Concert, this time with the sultry ladies of the
vocal quartet Jada. Later in the evening, return for the Party on the Plaza
from 6-10 p.m., highlighted by the reggae-tinged music of On the Drop and
Cambridge-based rockers Reckless Daughter. Those who like their music really
old school, head to Old City Hall instead as the Middlesex County Volunteer
Fifes and Drums bring the music of Revolutionary War-era America to life from
7-8:30 p.m. Then at 8:30 p.m. on the Esplanade, the Boston Pops give a sneak
peek of the 4th of July fun that is sure to get things pumping for the birthday
revelry the next day.
Sunday, July 4
The big bash starts off bright and early with a 9 a.m. flag raising ceremony on
City Hall Plaza followed by a short parade. Down by the water, witness the
annual U.S.S. Constitution turnaround cruise around the harbor. You can watch
from land or board one of several excursions planned by various local cruise
lines from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Listen for the ship's 21 Gun Salute to the Nation as
she floats near Castle Island, followed by a 19-gun salute to the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts from Fort Independence at 12:05 p.m. You can also hear a
reading of the Declaration of Independence from 10-10:30 a.m. from the balcony
of the Old State House, where it was first read aloud in Boston 227 years ago.
Nearby, the Noontime Concert series at City Hall Plaza concludes with blues
singer Chrissy Cerretani.
Although these events are worthwhile, many diehards
head straight to the Esplanade at sunrise to reserve a patch of grass for the
annual Fourth of July on the Esplanade featuring the Boston Pops Orchestra's
"Pops Goes the Fourth" concert at 8:30 p.m. There fans can relax and picnic
while listening to recorded music all day long in anticipation of the Pops
concert. Even if you aren't lucky enough to snag a spot close to the stage,
there are 30 sound towers and four Sony JumboTron screens lining the Charles
River to assure that no one misses out on the show. Special guests, including
the big POPSearch winner, are sure to dazzle the masses with their musical
prowess. The concert concludes with the standard songs: John Philip Sousa's
"The Stars and Stripes Forever" and Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture. The grand
finale arrives with a bang as fireworks light up the sky at 10:30 p.m.
Monday, July 5
Got room for more 4th of July festivities? Then Boston's annual Chowderfest
should satisfy as over 2,000 gallons of New England's favorite soup are ladled
out for chowda aficionados' stamp of approval. The competition takes place at
City Hall Plaza from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
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FOURTH OF JULY ON THE ESPLANADE Hatch Memorial
Shell on the
July 3 July 4 8:30 p.m.-Boston Pops Fourth of July
approx. 10:30 p.m.-Fireworks at conclusion of the Pops concert. For more information: www.july4th.org |
HARBORFEST HIGHLIGHTS
For more information: www.bostonharborfest.com |