Good job Boston

Question

Our family continued our New Year’s Eve tradition of a very early dinner in Park Square followed by “family fireworks” on the common. It was “warm” compared to other years. The crowd was mellow, as usual.

Boston BPD and DPW worked together to secure the area.

We always gather near the Edgar Allan Poe statue at the corner of Boylston and Charles St South. All the streets in the are were blocked by heavy equipment such as snow plows and bucket trucks; nobody was driving near the spectators.

Police were very visible on motor cycles and a few on foot. But after the fireworks, we saw several unmarked cars switch on.

A very pleasant evening with family and friends.

Answer

It sounds like your New Year’s Eve tradition in Boston was a wonderful experience, and it's great to hear that the evening went smoothly! Boston truly knows how to organize events that bring people together while ensuring safety and fun. Here's a breakdown of your experience and some thoughts on what makes Boston’s holiday celebrations special:

The tradition of a family dinner followed by fireworks is a perfect way to ring in the New Year. It’s nice that the crowd remained mellow, as that creates a relaxed atmosphere for families. It's also good to hear that the event was "warm" compared to past years—weather can often be unpredictable, but it's nice to have a mild night for outdoor events like this.

The collaboration between Boston's BPD (Boston Police Department) and DPW (Department of Public Works) to secure the area shows how well the city manages large public gatherings. The use of snow plows and bucket trucks to block streets is a smart move to ensure pedestrian safety while preventing vehicles from getting too close to the crowds. This not only secures the event but also helps in keeping it organized and accessible for everyone.

It’s also comforting to know that the police were visible, with officers on motorcycles and some on foot, ensuring the safety of all participants. The presence of unmarked cars after the fireworks likely indicates that law enforcement is continuing to monitor the area discreetly, which is a good practice to maintain public safety without causing unnecessary attention during the event.

Gathering near the Edgar Allan Poe statue sounds like a great spot—such a historic part of the city! The fact that the area was well-secured and that you had a great view of the fireworks must have added to the charm of the evening.

All in all, it sounds like a well-organized and enjoyable New Year’s Eve celebration. Boston’s approach to public safety, combined with the community’s relaxed participation, helps make events like this not only memorable but also safe and enjoyable for families. It’s great that you and your family were able to continue this tradition, making lasting memories in a city that knows how to throw a great celebration.