Boston is unique in the variety of public celebrations and special events for all to enjoy.  From the Fourth of July Boston Pops concert to the week-long Harborfest festivities to First Night Boston, these gatherings help to create a sense of community and provide “common ground.” Families and residents look forward to these annual events, which also attract significant numbers of out-of-town visitors.  

Fortunately. in our region, partnerships between nonprofit organizations and the public and private sectors allow for a wide range of public celebrations we have come to appreciate. Established events such as the Boston Marathon and the Fourth of July concert on the Esplanade are made possible through the generous support of John Hancock Financial Services and Liberty Mutual, respectively.  Other popular celebrations, such as Boston Harborfest and First Night Boston, receive support from numerous corporations, foundations, and individuals.

With the recent signs of economic recovery, the number of special events and free programs has also increased significantly. The Boston Harbor Association’s “Summer on the Waterfront 2013,” now in its second year, will bring even more people to the waterfront from East Boston through Dorchester, from the Rose Kennedy Greenway to the Boston Harbor Islands, culminating in Labor Day fireworks over the harbor. The Fallon Company, developer of the Fan Pier, which sponsored the Boston leg of the Volvo Ocean Race, will be bringing back this summer the much-anticipated Red Bull Cliff Diving off of the Institute of Contemporary Art. Last year’s bicentennial celebration of the War of 1812 by the USS Constitution Museum, with Tall Ships and other vessels, was a highlight of the summer.  Public agencies such as the city of Boston’s Parks and Recreation Department, Mass. Department of Conservation and Recreation, Massport, and non-profit organizations like the Boston Natural Areas Network have increased their number of summer events, which routinely draw hundreds of residents to neighborhood programs.

More Funding Pressure

During a March 2013 public session to begin a municipal harbor planning process for the downtown waterfront area from Hook Lobster Co. to the Marriott Long Wharf, there was considerable interest in having more waterfront events and celebrations. In order to further activate the waterfront, there will no doubt be pressure during the planning process for waterfront property owners to provide funding for additional public celebrations and events.

Ever mindful of the senseless harm inflicted earlier this month during the Boston Marathon, organizers of special events appear more determined than ever to move ahead with robust plans for 2013.  Organizers have come together to support the One Fund Boston to help the victims of the marathon. They continue to review their security plans to ensure safety for the general public. And as many organizations learned this month, social media are not only one of the best means to publicize special events, but also an effective way to disseminate emergency information if necessary.

Out of the incredible sadness of this month, many will now turn their attention to public celebrations and special events that remind us of the resilience of Boston and the commonwealth. There will be much to celebrate in the months ahead. 

Vivien Li is president of The Boston Harbor Association, www.tbha.org. Email: vli@tbha.org