Months of planning to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States of America with a splashy lineup of events in Washington on July 4 are being tested by oppressive heat.
The festivities this summer included a 16-day state fair that was shut down temporarily on Friday afternoon as the temperature neared 100 degrees.
The event, known as the Great American State Fair, began on June 25 and has been facing intensely hot weather in the days leading up to July 4. It has also been contending with criticism that some of the marquee events were strikingly partisan.
Several artists dropped out of the event. Some states declined to send representatives, citing expenses and in one case, the event’s partisan nature.
The sweltering temperatures in Washington prompted the closure of the fair until 5 p.m. and forced changes to the timing of other events planned for July 4.
Here’s some of what to expect on Saturday in the nation’s capital:
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National Independence Day Parade: Co-hosted by the National Park Service, this annual celebration begins at 10:30 a.m. and features bands, floats, balloons, military and specialty units and national dignitaries.
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Salute to America celebration and fireworks: Planned by the White House’s Freedom 250 commission, this event will begin at the Washington Monument grounds at 1:15 p.m. with military flyovers. Those wishing to partake in the celebration, which will include musical performances, can arrive starting at 5 p.m. An evening broadcast with national speakers and the Joint Armed Forces Orchestra will begin at 7 p.m. President Trump is scheduled to deliver remarks at 9:45 p.m., ahead of a fireworks show set to start at 10:30 p.m. The 40-minute show will feature 850,000 shells launched from 10 sites, including the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, the West Potomac Park and eight barges on the Potomac River.
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The Great American State Fair: The event, which runs through July 10 and was organized by Freedom 250, is scheduled to open on Saturday starting at 10 a.m.
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A Capitol Fourth concert: For more than 40 years, PBS has broadcast this event, featuring artists, athletes, American heroes and more. The concert can also be viewed in person on the West Front Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. The concert will take place two days after a panel from the ceiling nearly crushed performers during a rehearsal.
