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After Bombings, Tightened Security For Boston’s July Fourth Celebration

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About a half million spectators typically turnout for Boston's Fourth of July celebration along the Charles River. (kyleshank/Flickr)
About a half million spectators typically turnout for Boston's Fourth of July celebration along the Charles River. (kyleshank/Flickr)

For 38 of the 40 years since the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular began, Steve MacDonald has been handling logistics and media for Boston 4 Productions, which puts on the show. But the undercurrent of this year's 40th anniversary show is the bombing of the last major public event in Boston just 11 weeks ago.

"Because the marathon, much like this event, is a free and open-to-the-public event, there is no hard line of security," MacDonald said. "We worked closely with law enforcement agencies and came up with a plan about what would be allowed, what wouldn't be allowed that was reasonable."

[sidebar title="Esplanade July Fourth Security" width="335" align="right"]

All attendees in the area of the Hatch Shell and the Lagoon will have to pass through security checkpoints where all bags will be searched. No backpacks or similar containers permitted.

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Prohibited items include: Wheeled coolers, backpacks, firearms, weapons, sharp objects, fireworks, glass containers, cans and pre-mixed beverages. All liquids must be carried in sealed clear plastic containers less than two liters. No grilling, propane tanks or open flames.

The following items are allowed until 4 p.m. Thursday. After that time, only chairs, tarps or blankets will be allowed through checkpoints:

-Pop-up tents or canopies up to 10 feet by 10 feet
-Blankets or tarps smaller up to 10 feet by 12 feet
-Folding/beach chairs
-Coolers carried in by shoulder strap or single handle
-Personal items carried in clear bags
-Small clutch bags/purses will be allowed after inspection

More information on July Fourth security and travel

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This year, there will be a wider area around the Hatch Shell gated off with revelers required to pass through security checkpoints. Among the things not allowed in this area are backpacks — all personal items must be carried in clear bags. Also banned are coolers on wheels, glass containers and cans.

MacDonald says other than that, the audience may not see much of a difference from previous years.

"Once you go through the checkpoint it's going to be pretty much the same," MacDonald said. "But we have a very sophisticated surveillance system in place. Many cameras have been added to help give a set of eyes on a constant basis."

Along with all those new surveillance cameras will be hundreds more law enforcement officers. State Police Superintendent Col. Timothy Alben won't give an exact number, but he says the police presence will nearly double along the Esplanade.

"Some will be quite visible. Our troopers will be wearing their yellow traffic vests. We want the public to see them," Alben said. "The less transparent part of that is the significant number of undercover officers."

There will also be more federal officers, National Guard troops, local police and MBTA officers. Police have also set up a tip line so people can send anonymous text messages to law enforcement about anything suspicious.

All the added security has reassured some revelers, but it's made others nervous. Michael McCumber, who is visiting from Pittsburg, says he'll watch the show far away from the center of the festivities at the Hatch Shell because he can't help but think about the marathon.

"It just happened here. It's a big public event. In Pittsburg we haven't had any incidents. Given Boston has, it makes you think," he said.

Since the marathon bombings, state, federal and local law enforcement officials traveled to New York and London and consulted with international security experts who came to Massachusetts. Alben says he doesn't want to speculate on reports that the alleged marathon bombers may have been planning a Fourth of July attack, but he says law enforcement is well prepared for the estimated half million people expected to attend Boston's signature Independence Day event.

"There's no denying the recent history that we've all lived through here. But my family will be there and it's the first time they're ever coming. If I had any concerns, I certainly wouldn't put my family in harm's way," Alben said. "I think everybody is going to have a great time and I would encourage everyone to come down and do that. This is the Fourth of July, this is Massachusetts, this is our history."

Many driving and pedestrian restrictions on Storrow Drive and the Esplanade go into effect Wednesday morning. Further restrictions will be in place Wednesday night and even more Thursday. The MBTA, which will also have extra officers on patrol, will waive fares after 9:30 p.m. Thursday.

This program aired on July 3, 2013.

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Deborah Becker Host/Reporter
Deborah Becker is a senior correspondent and host at WBUR. Her reporting focuses on mental health, criminal justice and education.

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