Pops gala provides sparkling good time
Warm temperatures and clear skies greeted the thousands of revelers — many decked out in Star-Spangled gear — who gathered on the Esplanade yesterday for the Fourth of July Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular.
“I just love the atmosphere,” said Jennifer Ravgiala, 29, of Lawrence. “It’s just fantastic. I’ve been coming every year for 10 years.”
Ravgiala, who wore red, white and blue streamers in her hair, said she arrived at 7:30 a.m. to secure a front-row spot. She was there with the same 14 people she comes with every year, whom she calls her “Boston Pops family.”
For others, like Frances Ramirez, who recently moved to Boston from Chicago, this year’s festivities were their first Fourth of July Pops performance.
“I heard about it when researching plans for the day,” she said. “They describe it as spectacular, so I had to see it.”
Ramirez’s sister-in-law, Lillian Ramirez, also came out to see the show.
“It’s a great way to experience Boston for the first time,” she said.
Kerri White, 35, of Cambridge, who showed up donning three Statue of Liberty crowns and eight American flags in her hair, said she was celebrating on the Esplanade for the 11th year.
“I like to hear the 1812 Overture and the cannons,” she said. “There’s just something about when they do that overture that just makes my whole holiday.”
Pop stars Nick Jonas and Demi Lovato, along with country group Little Big Town, took the stage as millions across the country tuned in to watch from home.