July 5, 2008 Boston celebrates the 4th with a bang Play video

(Lauren Collins, NECN: Boston, MA) - We celebrate this July Fourth holiday with parades, backyard barbecues and the highlight of the day, spectacular fireworks. One of the biggest displays around are down on the Esplanade in Boston. Some folks have been waiting all day.

The Boston Pops performance featured a tribute to "The West Side Story" and Lawrence, Massachusetts native Leonard Bernstein. 16-year-old Martha's Vineyard native Katie Mayhew accompanied the Pops singing "Being Alive". Then wearing his Red Sox jersey, Keith Lockhart and the orchestra honored the country's national pastime.

People came from all over the world to see the oldest, biggest and best party on the Fourth.

NECN's Lauren Collins has more.