BOSTON — The Charles River Esplanade was blazing hot, but the excitement was still there before the annual Boston Pops show Wednesday.
But the weather took a toll on the enormous number of police keeping the event safe. State police were staffing the event with uniformed and undercover troopers who were also dealing with the extreme heat.
“It definitely plays into our plan, because we have to make sure we have all of our officers hydrated. We can't help you if we can't help ourselves," MSP Major Rick Ball said.
The intense heat turned the early rush onto the Esplanade into a lighter crowd. The early birds got their front and center seats, but Massachusetts State Police say the crowd was lighter early in the day.
Divers were checking along the banks of the Charles to make sure everything was secure for the big show.
PREVIOUS: Boston Pops dress rehearsal: Crowds deal with thunder, lightning and rain
Among the headliners for the show: Rachel Platten, famous for her "Fight Song," will take the stage. She is originally from Newton.
The Indigo Girls will also perform and, as part of the Pops tribute to composer Leonard Bernstein, Rita Moreno, the original Anita from West Side Story, will grace this stage.
Safety has been the top concern for law enforcement.
Officials say there is no credible threat, but they still spared no expense sweeping the entire grounds and perimeters.
If you're heading to the Esplanade for the celebrations, a reminder that backpacks, wheeled coolers, glass containers and cans are not allowed. Alcohol is also banned.
You can bring a pop-up tent, blankets, folding chairs and small clutches. Liquids are allowed in plastic containers smaller than two liters.
The show starts at 8 p.m. Fireworks are expected to start around 10:30 p.m.