RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- North Carolinians are celebrating Independence Day and America's 250th anniversary under dangerous heat conditions across much of the state.
From parades and festivals to fireworks shows and community gatherings, thousands are expected to take part in Fourth of July events throughout the Triangle and beyond. At the same time, extreme heat warnings and heat advisories remain in effect across central North Carolina, with heat index values climbing into the triple digits.
Follow along throughout the day as ABC11 tracks America 250 events, traffic, fireworks displays and the ongoing heat wave.
After the "Salute to America 250 Celebration & Fireworks" event in Washington, D.C., was delayed Saturday night amid thunderstorms, Freedom 250 officials announced that the National Mall will reopen at 9:45 p.m. ET "at President Donald J. Trump's direction."
Trump will deliver remarks at 11 p.m. ET, followed by fireworks, organizers said.
Fireworks painted the night sky and music filled the air Saturday as hundreds gathered at Festival Park for Fayetteville's annual Fourth of July celebration.
Festival-goers dressed in red, white and blue streamed through the gates when they opened at 6 p.m., ready for an evening of music, community and patriotic festivities. The 82nd Airborne Division Band and the Fayetteville Orchestra took the stage at 7:15 p.m., providing the soundtrack for the holiday celebration.
As fireworks burst overhead, many attendees pulled out their phones to capture the moment and share in the Independence Day tradition.
For longtime attendee Wanda Bell, who has attended the event for more than a decade, the celebration is about bringing the community together.
"The people, the performances, the music, just to be out," Bell said.
In a city with deep military ties, the holiday carries special meaning for many residents. Christian Grenendale, an Army service member who moved to Fayetteville on the Fourth of July, said the day represents the freedoms Americans enjoy.
"It means a lot. It's the founding of our country," Grenendale said. "Being in the Army and believing deeply in freedom, this day represents that."
With live music, fireworks and a strong sense of community, Fayetteville's Independence Day celebration gave residents a memorable way to mark the holiday.
The fireworks show is now underway at Brier Creek Commons in Raleigh, where crowds gathered for the annual Star-Spangled Block Party.
Families spent the evening enjoying live music, giveaways and activities near the clock tower before the choreographed fireworks display began after dark.
People are continuing to stream into Dix Park as Raleigh's annual Fourth of July celebration gets underway. Families and groups are spreading out across the park ahead of the night's main event. The fireworks show is scheduled for 9:30 p.m.
