Every year, the Shriners hold a convention around the July 4th weekend. In 2000, Boston was selected as the destination for tens of thousands of the Fraternity. As I was recently retired and had no official duties, we accepted the local jurisdiction’s invitation to check this fabled city on the east coast off our Bucket List.

We flew to Boston and then were bused to Manchester, New Hampshire which is about 80 miles north. The local Shrine group took us on a magnificent bus tour of their state and extended the tour to neighbouring states of Vermont and Maine. Beautiful scenery. The next day we bused to our hotel in Boston to begin touring on our own.

In Boston, we took the 19 stop, on-off city tour and were fortunate to watch an enactment of the famous Boston Tea Party on the waterfront. Another stop on the tour included a memorable visit to the U.S.S. Constitution. A truly incredible sailing ship. As the tall ships were visiting for Boston’s Bicentennial, we had the opportunity to visit the Russian Sail Training ship, Kruzenshtern. We made it clear we were Canadian and were treated warmly by the officers and crew.

Leaving the harbour area, we lined up for a cold one at the famed neighbourhood bar Cheers. Truly worth the wait. We ended our incredible day at the Union Oyster House for a memorable feast.

The next day we rented a car with another couple and took a drive to see Plymouth Rock, followed by a tour of rural Massachusetts and Providence, Rhode Island. The next day we visited famed Wood’s Hole Marine Museum and Cape Cod. We made a quick stop at Hyannis Port to say “Hello” to the Kennedys, but we were told they were not home. As this was a U.S. National holiday, it seemed that all 90 million people on the Eastern seaboard were travelling. We met them all on our way back to Boston for an early supper before the traditional July 4th fireworks display.

Our idyllic holiday was to take an annoying turn. Returning to the hotel, I noticed my wallet was missing. After a strict search, my fears were confirmed when I phoned Visa who informed me my pocket had been picked and someone had already tried to use the card. A bit disappointed, but undeterred, we continued from our hotel to the magnificent Esplanade to listen to the Boston Pops perform. Once we returned home, I began the arduous journey of replacing all of my identification and other documents.

The Esplanade is a beautiful grassed area with a band shell, where the famed Arthur Fielder first conducted the Orchestra in 1929. For the last several years, Keith Lockhart was the conductor. The green space was reserved for invited guests, and tens of thousands of spectators spread out along the point beside the historic Charles River. Speakers were fitted in the trees so everyone could hear the famous orchestra.

We made our way to the fence bordering the invited guests’ area so we could view the band stand. We noticed a lady inside the invited guest enclosure madly trying to get our attention. It turned out her late husband was also a Past Potentate in the U.S. She had seen my fez, and she had extra seats - would we like to join her in the 6th row from the front? We made our way to her spot near the front feeling like royalty! Complimentary refreshments and a superb vantage point from which to enjoy the world-famous Boston Pops as they performed many patriotic tunes of the Republic. The singers and speeches were a real thrill to witness. To close the trip in grand style, the fireworks display over the river was truly awe-inspiring.

A great ending to a memorable adventure. Welcome to the passing parade.

 

Ken Kristjanson

July 2021