(NECN: John Moroney, Boston) - Boston is getting ready for its annual Fourth of July festivities around the city, but there’s a very different feel this year. Many families are feeling a little bit on edge heading into the big event following the marathon bombings.
People are a bit more anxious given the attacks on Marathon Monday, but many say it will not keep them away from the Fourth of July celebrations as they put their faith in the stepped-up security on the Esplanade.
Preparations are underway for the city’s Fourth of July celebration, which will see tighter security than previous years as a result of the Boston Marathon bombings.
More than 500,000 people are expected at the Hatch Shell Thursday to listen to the Boston Pops and watch the fireworks over the Charles. This year, there will be additional checkpoints, greater access restrictions and an expanded security zone around the Esplanade’s oval.
All items must be checked and cleared by 4 p.m. Thursday.
Prohibited items:
-coolers with wheels
-backpacks
-weapons
-glass/can containers
-pre-mixed drinks
-grill propane tanks/open flames
These new security measures and fears about what happened in the marathon in April are expected to keep some people away, but not the ones NECN’s John Moroney spoke to on Tuesday.
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Of course, there will be plenty of street closures and parking restrictions as we get closer to July Fourth. People are urged to take public transportation if they’re headed down to the Esplanade in the coming days.
Massachusetts State Police have implemented a text-a-tip line as part of its security plan for July Fourth events. Tipsters should text the Boston4 and information about your observation to the number 67283.
