The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular is drawing nearer, as large display boards featuring fireworks and the American flag appear at the Hatch Memorial Shell.
Public safety and event officials anticipate hundreds of thousands of people flocking to the Esplanade rocking their red, white and blue attire to celebrate America’s 247th birthday on Tuesday.
The iconic show, featuring the Boston Symphony Orchestra, begins at 8 p.m. and runs until around 11 when fireworks wrap up. Gates open at noon, and officials say they are ready for an all-day affair.
Local, state and federal law enforcement agencies are not aware of any credible threats targeting the event, John Mawn, interim superintendent colonel of the Massachusetts State Police, told reporters Friday.
Before visitors go out to the Esplanade, Mawn recommends checking the State Police website to see what items are and are not permissible. Small pop-up tents and canopies, blankets and tarps, beach chairs and coolers carried by strap are allowed inside, while coolers on wheels, backpacks, weapons, among others, are not.
Mawn said energy is building for the celebration, especially after COVID-19 dampened spirits the past few years.
“What has happened in the past is this was a big thing, but unfortunately during the pandemic, it fell off,” Mawn said. “People are now starting to come out and recreate a little more. … We invite them, we want them to come here.”
The State Police Bomb Squad, explosive detective K9s, hazmat teams from the Department of Fire Services, and the FBI are working with public safety partners in Cambridge and Boston, said Gina Kwon, the state’s undersecretary for law enforcement.
Kwon said her advice for the Fourth also applies for the entire summer: Stay away from fireworks.
As of Thursday, State Police and the Department of Fire Services have seized $20,000 worth of fireworks illegally transported to Massachusetts, summonsing dozens of people to court for possession, Kwon said.
“People get hurt, homes get damaged and destroyed every single year by people using illegal fireworks in Massachusetts,” she said. “Don’t risk fire, injury or a day in court. Leave the fireworks to the professionals.”
