Mission:
To produce and organize Boston's Fourth of July celebration.

Background:
The celebration was conceived in September of 1973 to revive a concert series by the Boston Pops along the banks of the Charles River. After the first July 4th concert, organizers added cannons, fireworks, and church bells, creating what has become the premier Independence Day event in the nation. More than 30 percent of the live audience comes to the celebration from outside New England, and millions more watch the event on a national television broadcast. Boston's Fourth of July Foundation, Inc. plans all year for the event, organizing technical production elements, managing logistics, and coordinating with public safety agencies.

Outstanding Feature:
Boston's Fourth of July Web site offers an event schedule, an account of how the celebration is put together each year, and photographs from years past. The Behind the Scenes section includes background information about the group and links to other Boston attractions. The Concert pages feature information on the Boston Pops, its conductor, and musical programming. The Fireworks area is filled with facts about the display, and the General Event Information section provides security measures, parking rules, road closings, maps, and other logistical information for visitors.