Crowds Gather On Boston's Esplanade For July Fourth Festivities

Crowds have gathered on Boston's Esplanade ahead of Monday's fireworks show and Boston Pops concert. About a half-million people are expected for the traditional Independence Day celebration.

Ann Habert said she has been attending the celebration for 29 years.

“It's the Pops. I mean the guests that they have are always wonderful, but it's the Pops," Habert said. "That's why we come."

Another fan, Debbie Schinker, says she comes back every year because of the people there.

“Honestly it really is like one big family. There are people here that we see every year now but we only see them once a year. They're our July Fourth family,” Schinker said.

The concert is set to begin at 8:30 p.m. on Monday.

Police say there will be a number of road closures, and motorists won't be allowed to park along Interstate 93 to watch the fireworks.