NC July 4 live updates: Independence Day celebrations, fireworks and heat across North Carolina

Hundreds of people gathered Saturday morning for the 77th annual Watts-Hillandale Fourth of July Parade, continuing a longtime Durham tradition despite soaring temperatures.

The parade, led by local law enforcement and members of the Durham Fire Department, wound through the neighborhood as residents waved flags, rode bicycles and scooters, and celebrated Independence Day.

"Independence Day. Our nation - we fought for it," attendee Salem Parker said.

After circling the neighborhood, participants gathered in a local park, where families cooled off and reflected on what the holiday means to them.

"Today means we have a long project that we're still in the midst of," attendee David Liu said. "Instead of the dichotomy of dependence or independence, we need to think more along the lines of interdependence."

The parade was one of several Fourth of July celebrations held across the Triangle as residents braved dangerous heat to take part in holiday traditions.

"I can handle it. I kind of like the weather," attendee Micah Stevens said.

Organizers said they were grateful the event took place earlier in the day before the highest temperatures arrived.

Many attendees lingered after the parade to visit with neighbors before heading home - and, for some, finding a pool, lake or other way to cool off during the holiday weekend.

North Carolina's Capitol 250: NC Freedom Fest wrapped up Saturday afternoon after a full day of events celebrating Independence Day and America's 250th anniversary.

The free event at the State Capitol featured historical exhibits, trolley tours, live music, family activities and educational programs highlighting North Carolina's role in the nation's history.

One of the day's highlights was the Independence Day Ceremony, which included music from the Raleigh Concert Band, a presentation of colors by the North Carolina National Guard, a keynote address from Gov. Josh Stein, a reading of the Declaration of Independence and a wreath-laying ceremony.

Throughout the day, visitors also enjoyed performances by the 82nd Airborne All American Brass Quintet, the Governor's School Choir, the Wake & District Pipe Band, spoken word artist Zack Zachary and musicians Tift Merritt and Rissi Palmer.

ABC11's Elaina Athans was at the Capitol as crowds braved the heat to take part in the celebration, which ran from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and served as one of North Carolina's signature events marking the nation's semiquincentennial.

Celebrations continue across the Triangle and the state with evening fireworks displays and community gatherings.

ABC11's Elaina Athans was at the Capitol as crowds braved the heat to take part in the celebration,

A naturalization ceremony held Saturday morning welcomed 49 new citizens from 25 different countries. The ceremony was included with North Carolina's First in Freedom events

As communities across the country celebrate Independence Day and America's 250th birthday, dozens of people marked the holiday by officially becoming U.S. citizens.

For many, the ceremony represented the culmination of a years-long journey and the beginning of a new chapter in their lives as Americans.

Officials said holding the ceremony on the Fourth of July added special meaning to the occasion. After taking the Oath of Allegiance, the new citizens gained the right to vote, serve on juries and fully participate in civic life in the United States.

Joey Chestnut is a champion once again at the Nathan's Famous hot dog eating contest at Coney Island.

Chestnut captured the men's title for the 18th time, downing 66 dogs.

Competitors consume as many hot dogs and buns as possible in 10 minutes, usually dunking the wieners in water first to make them easier to swallow.