Boston concert goers told to travel light at first major event since bombings

BOSTON (MyFoxBoston.com) -- Concert attendees at the first large event held in Boston since the Marathon were told to expect increased security measures.

The 20th annual EarthFest hosted by Radio 92.9 was held at the DCR Hatch Memorial Shell Saturday.

Organizers gave the largest free outdoor public concert in the U.S. a major security overhaul this year. The estimated 100,000 concert goers were not allowed to bring in backpacks, coolers, blankets, large bags, or open containers. All bags were subject to a discretionary search.

Attendees were allowed to bring in small bags and other "necessary items" such as strollers after they were inspected. Concert organizers asked all in attendance to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to security staff.

The increased security measures at the world-famous Esplanade come just over one month after the Boston Marathon bombings that killed three people and injured more than 260 others. Investigators say the explosives used in the attacks were pressure cooker bombs placed in backpacks. Shortly after the attacks, reports surfaced that the Esplanade was the initial intended site for the bombings.

The New York Times quotes unnamed law enforcement sources as saying Dzhokhar Tsarnaev told federal investigators he and brother, Tamerlan, intended to detonate suicide bombs at Boston's Fourth of July celebration on the Esplanade.   
   
Sources also told Fox News the brothers instead decided to build pressure cooker bombs. When the bombs came together faster than expected, they decided to move up their attack to Marathon Monday.

Added security measures at the concert were not the only reminder of the attacks. Attendees were also asked to donate at least $1 to the One Fund Boston the help victims. Fund administrators hope to distribute money to the victims by the end of June. If you'd like to donate, visit www.onefundboston.org. A $10 donation can be made via text message by texting "Boston" to 80108.

Cox Media Group