Thousands Of Revelers Mark The 4th On The Esplanade

July 05, 2011

The Associated Press

Fireworks shoot skyward behind the Hatch Shell during the Boston Pops 4th of July concert rehearsal in Boston, Sunday. (AP)

Tens of thousands of revelers with American flags and picnic coolers descended on the Esplanade in Boston Monday to watch the annual fireworks show and Boston Pops concert.

About a half-million people attend the yearly event, which includes a traditional concert by the Boston Pops and a rendition of the "1812 Overture" during the start of the fireworks display over the Charles River.

People started staking out spots on the Esplanade early Monday, and police closed roads around the Esplanade and portions of Storrow Drive.

The concert began at 8:30 p.m., with the fireworks display running from about 10:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Several other fireworks shows also were planned Monday night across Massachusetts, including displays in Provincetown, Fall River, Pittsfield, Plymouth, North Adams and Nantucket.

This program aired on July 5, 2011. The audio for this program is not available.