Here's everything we know about D.C.'s massive July 4 fireworks show
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Image courtesy of Secret Service
July 4 fireworks will look very different this year, with a ton more fireworks plus security and an extra-late program.
Why it matters: Freedom 250 — the President Trump-aligned group undertaking D.C.'s semiquincentennial celebrations — is trying to set a world record for the largest fireworks show.
Zoom in: Daytime events include concerts and military flyovers beginning at 1pm, per Freedom 250's plans.
- At 7pm, the Joint Armed Forces Orchestra will perform and speeches will be made. (A speaker lineup hasn't yet been released.)
- Fireworks get going at 10:30pm, lasting about 40 minutes, more than twice as long as last year's show.
- Organizers plan to launch 850,000 fireworks from 10 sites, including eight barges on the Potomac River.
Between the lines: Trump is expected to play a part in the evening's programming — though Freedom 250 didn't tell us details.
- The fireworks vendor, Pennsylvania-based Pyrotecnico, had previously planned for fireworks to start at 9:40pm, but Freedom 250's latest announcement puts it 50 minutes later.
What to know: Going in person won't be as easy as in previous years.
- A viewing area on the Mall will be fenced off, with metal detector security checkpoints opening at 1pm.
- You can't bring folding chairs, balls, frisbees, bicycles, coolers or the like.
- Guests are allowed one "clear, see-through bag" that's approximately the size of a gallon-size freezer bag, Freedom 250 says, or one small clutch or purse.
- Taking the Metro is encouraged. A large vehicle restriction zone will radiate outside the Mall.
- Boaters/paddlers should take note of the waterway closures, which touch the Potomac and Anacostia.
The enhanced security is due to the Secret Service designating this July 4 a national special security event for the first time in D.C. history.
- That means a law enforcement response akin to that of a presidential inauguration.
Context: Visitors are advised about poor air quality, humidity and heat taking a toll.
- Extra water is encouraged, and so is taking shade breaks.
- And all those fireworks mean leave pets at home.