Boston's signature July 4 celebration faces uncertain future

BOSTON (AP) — The future of one of the nation's signature Independence Day celebrations is uncertain.

Businessman and philanthropist David Mugar is retiring as founder and executive director of the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular after 43 years.

But he worries no one has stepped up yet to fill the sponsorship and leadership void.

Longtime sponsor Liberty Mutual decided not to renew its contract last year and Mugar is covering this year's over $2 million production cost himself.

Boston's struggles to find a primary sponsor reflect a common challenge facing Independence Day celebrations across the country. Other events are also dealing with rising insurance costs and depleted city and state coffers.

Monday's concert is being televised nationally and features pop stars Nick Jonas and Demi Lovato.