Jul 4, 2007 11:49 pm US/Eastern
Rain Dampens 4th Shows, But Not Spirits
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
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About half a million people line the banks of the Charles River for the annual holiday show.
CBS
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Kids wore ponchos on the Esplanade.
CBS
Rain fell throughout the region Wednesday night, in some places soaking crowds gathered for 4th of July fireworks displays, in other places just drizzling over onlookers.
On the Charles River Esplanade in Boston, the pouring rain did not stop the festivities. While spectators who had been camped out all day in the sunshine, pulled out their umbrellas - the Boston Pops Orchestra took to the Hatch Shell stage.
The weather prompted Maestro Keith Lockhart to make a wardrobe change. He donned a fluorescent yellow State Police rain coat over his tuxedo shirt and bow tie.
PopSearch 2007 winner Maria Perry had her moment in the spotlight, followed by performances from Blue Man Group and the Pops' signature 4th of July piece - the 1812 Overture.
John Mellencamp had the crowd on their feet, playing two of his most patriotic songs: "R-O-C-K in the USA" and "Our Country." Boston Pops conductor Keith Lockhart has said that Mellencamp is a natural to play on the 4th of July, calling his music "real American heartland rock."
A short time before the 10:30 p.m. fireworks, the rain slowed to a drizzle, allowing the spectacular light show to fill the sky.
State police expected about half a million people to turn out on the banks of the Charles River.
The weather did prompt changes in other patriotic celebrations. In New Bedford fireworks were postponed until Saturday. In Plymouth, the fireworks went off a little early, to avoid the worst of the weather.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Slideshow: Boston's 4th of July
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