Celebrations marking 250 years of American independence are in full swing across the nation. President Donald Trump took the stage at Mount Rushmore near Keystone, South Dakota on Friday, July 3, 2026, describing the Fourth of July as “one of the most extraordinary days in the history of the world.”
The holiday got an early start in New York City, where a ball drop in Times Square at midnight launched the July Fourth celebrations.
While Americans gathered to celebrate, dangerous heat became a major concern in many parts of the country. In Philadelphia, officials made the decision to cancel the Salute to Independence parade due to the sweltering conditions. Even on the National Mall in Washington, the Great American State Fair was forced to temporarily shut down for several hours during the early afternoon — despite more than 200 people already waiting in line for the Ferris wheel at the time.
