The people of Boston are used to living around historical landmarks such as the Liberty Bell and the Old State House. On Friday, April 13th however, some were able to become part of that history at last.

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Fenway Park’s 2012 Opening Day took place under bright, sunny skies and Red Sox fans of all ages came out to see their favorite team go up against the Tampa Bay Rays. The game attracted devoted fans who come to see their city’s team play every year as well as new attendees who are experiencing the special day through inexperienced eyes. James and Katie, originally from Maine, have lived in Boston for only six years and are newcomers to the Fenway atmosphere.

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“This is our first Opening Day. We’re kind of excited.” says James as he looks through his athletic sunglasses for the friends that he and Katie are meeting outside the stadium for the game.

This year’s Opening Day was particularly special since Fenway celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the yearly event.

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“It’s great that it’s the hundredth anniversary, but it’s not why we came.” continues James. While he and Katie continued to enjoy the sights of hot dogs and popcorn being sold to young children and the sounds of cars riding close by Yawkey Way, the street vendors next to them had a different perspective on the historic day. One of these vendors, Tom Smith, described the effect that the hundredth anniversary of the event has had on business.

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“There’s a lot more souvenirs and T-shirts being sold as you can see. Most of our hats are hundredth anniversary hats so it’s a big year for us.” Tom and his brother have been selling Red Sox merchandise for the past 12 years and claims that the feeling of the day manages to change every time he comes. “Yeah, even today it feels different. Usually the streets are crowded and a lot more stuff is going on. It’s a lot quieter this year,” says Tom as rolls up the sleeves of his grey sweatshirt. “I think it’s because of the way the Red Sox played last year. A lot of people are angry at what went on last year.”

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While Tom and his brother made use of the historic day, another brother duo took a break from their line of work while sitting on a bench nearby the stadium. Dan and Bob McInnis are brothers as well as members of their traditional jazz music group, the New Liberty Jazz Band. The group has been together since 1980 and used to play for the Boston Red Sox directly.

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“The fact that it’s the hundredth anniversary makes it a big celebration which is great for our group.” says Dan as he and his brother, Bob, take a break from the celebration in their fire engine red jackets partially covering their bold, black suspenders. The heat of the day forced them to sit for a while. However, other Bostonians had no time to take a break from the beating sun.

Chi-Che, born in Boston, continues to sizzle hot dogs and slather them with ketchup and mustard without even breaking a sweat. With 40 years of experience under his belt, his friend, Leo says that Chi-Che has acquired an immunity to the heat.

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“I’ve known Chi-Che for 15 years and worked for him for ten.” explains Leo as he wipes his forehead with his black polo shirt. He talked of how the hundredth anniversary of Opening Day makes a difference to him in particular. “I think it’s different this year because of the anniversary. I think it’s more important. Unfortunately we’re struggling a little bit. We’ve been struggling a little this year. We’re one and five this year, but it’s not putting a damper in today at all. I just cross my fingers and I

hope they’ll be okay.”

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Street vendors weren’t the only ones enjoying the significance of the anniversary. Matt Lambaugh works at a brewery and has been going to Opening Day for more than ten years. Although he grew up in Connecticut, he spoke of how he has become a more devoted fan of the team as well as a fan of Opening Day every year.

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“I’ve lived in the Boston area for almost 15 years so I’m a pretty big Red Sox fan. I seem to end up at Opening Day almost every year. I work for a brewery so it’s a big day for the pubs and restaurants.”

From new fans to old ones, the 100th anniversary of Fenway Park’s Opening Day bore different meanings to the different people who came to the day and it’s events. As Matt leaned on the lamp post next to him in the glistening sun, he described the significance of the anniversary. Although an older fan, he gave an answer similar to that of James, a newcomer to Fenway and the day’s importance.

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“It makes it great to be at Fenway this year. For me this year has a bit of nostalgia. So yeah, I guess that kind of means something. I never thought about it until you asked me though.”