THIRD AND FOURTH IN BOSTON

Ever been to Boston for the Fourth of July?  As one whose been there done that all I can say is, fantastic.  I had been watching the Evening at Pops on PBS with my family since 1971.  Arthur Fiedler was the conductor and I actually had a chance to meet him at Riverside Square as he promoted a newly released album.

Twenty-five years later, I made my first visit to see conductor, Keith Lockhart lead the Pops.  Through the years we would see talents like Rascal Flatts, Bebe Neuwirth, Don McClain and Buckwheat Zydeco.  Each brought terrific excitement and a melting pot of genres that symbolizes our nation's diversity so well.

The show builds to a passionate cacophony of 1/4 to 1/2 million Yankee Doodle Dandies sharing in a patriotic sing-a-long and the crescendo up to the 1812 Overture.

WHERE...
The Hatch Shell is found between the Charles River and Storrow Drive in Boston.  Concert starts at 8 and seating is the first challenge.  If you are not into hanging out on the lawn all day for a picnic on the 4th (starting at 5 AM or so) the best way to SEE the show is to go on the 3rd when they have a dress rehearsal.  It is a beautiful concert (same show as they will run on the 4th).  The difference is you only need arrive around 3 or so to enjoy it.

To get a spot on the Oval on the 4th requires a little planning and a good alarm clock.  Bring a BIG blanket or tarp or two in order to stake your claim to land.  It reminded me of the Oklahoma land rush.  A small pup tent, folding chairs, cooler are necessities.  Officially no one is allowed to rush the field until 6, but around 5:30 or so, someone will begin singing the end of the Star Spangled Banner.  As the words, "and the home of the brave," are completed, the rush begins and within 30-90 seconds, the oval is covered.

This year the Beach Boys are among the featured performers.  If you enjoy their songs and the music of Phantom, this may be the year for you to see conductor Keith Lockhart and his Pops.  

TIPS:
1. We went with another family and spilt up with  dads staking the claims first while the families sleep in (a hotel).  This can work to everyone's benefit.  
2.  This allows the families to tour around the city while the early birds nap.  Take a Duck Tour or for those who remember, the city has CHEERS or the BULL and FINCH PUB to grab cold one.  They have nice milkshakes and cheeseburgers if you'd like to make it a less than perfectly healthy family outing.
3. Follow the Liberty Trail to see tons of history from the Revolutionary War.
4.  To plan your visit, check out www.july4th.org or http://bostonharborfest.com.  These sites will have more information about the shows, directions, maps and activities.
5. Enjoy the people you will encounter from all over our great country.

Whether you do Boston, or the mountains or the beach or just our lovely NE NJ counties, I do hope you all enjoy your 4ths and your families!