Fourth festivities launch under sparkling skies

Families set up tents and laid out blankets along the Esplanade, relishing time to lounge and play under a sun that had been hidden for the most part of June. Many brought coolers and backpacks filled with drinks, snacks, and board games to pass the time.

Allison Bednarski, a physical therapist from Long Island, said she had wanted to come to the event for 15 years. She used to watch the Boston Pops on television when she was a little girl.

“I’m loving it. I even like standing in line,” said Bednarski, who waited for two hours to get into the oval.