Saturday isn't just the Fourth of July. It's the culmination of a 250th birthday celebration for the nation that the Hoosier state has spent years preparing for.

The big picture: Many Americans say the country's best days are behind it as it turns 2.5 centuries old.

• But red, white and blue bashes like the ones happening this week in Indy appeal to the optimism that still exists.

Between the lines: Officials say the spirit of the statewide celebration is reflected in the journey of nine commemorative lanterns that are traveling through all 92 Indiana counties.

• Inspired by Paul Revere's lantern signal in April 1775, the lanterns will be permanently displayed in the Indiana War Memorial after Independence Day.

Zoom in: Here are 12 ways to celebrate around Indianapolis.

Downtown Indy's Fourth Fest is back for a fourth year of celebrating at the American Legion Mall.

• A street festival featuring live music, food trucks and kids' zone starts at 6pm Saturday.
• 20 minutes of fireworks will begin with a countdown at 10pm, and start firing from the top of the building at 500 N. Meridian at 10:15pm.
• The grand finale, presented by Indiana 250, will celebrate Indiana's history alongside America's 250th.

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and musical guests will play patriotic favorites honoring 250 years of American history for three days at Conner Prairie, starting Thursday.

• During Thursday's show, the National Guard 38th Infantry Division Band Brass Quintet will perform at approximately 6:45 p.m.
• Friday's performance will feature a flyover by Indy Biplanes during the National Anthem.

CarmelFest will pack two days of partying into Carmel's Civic Square, and chairs are already lining the streets of the parade, which starts at 10:30am Saturday.

• The festival runs from noon-10pm Friday and Saturday.
• There's a no-pet policy due to the extreme heat and hot pavement.

More ways to celebrate

A dangerous heat wave that began Monday will reach its boiling point in Indianapolis over the next few days.

Why it matters: Heat stress is the top weather-related cause of death in the U.S., and the extreme conditions could last through July 4 celebrations.

Driving the news: The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a heat advisory for Central Indiana counties through Thursday night.

• The local forecast calls for temperatures above 90 degrees with highs approaching or surpassing daily records.

Heat index values — or "feels like" temperatures — are expected to hover around 105 degrees each afternoon.

• The hottest days will be Wednesday and Thursday as max heat indices from 105 to 109 degrees are expected.

What they're saying: "Consider postponing or rescheduling any strenuous outdoor activities," the NWS cautions. "If you must be outside, be sure to drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks in the shade. The young and elderly and those with medical conditions should use extra caution outdoors."

• IU Health's tips for preventing heat exhaustion include dressing lightly, keeping water readily available and never leaving children alone in a vehicle for any period of time.

Threat level: The NWS warns pet owners that animals can die of heatstroke within 15 minutes, and that cracking a car window doesn't help.

• "During hot weather, keep your pets at home," says the weather service. "If you see a pet in an unattended vehicle, do not leave until the problem has been resolved!"

Zoom in: A list of cooling centers maintained by Indy Parks & Recreation can be found here.

📜 The ACLU of Indiana has filed a complaint to stop the placement of a historical monument displaying the Ten Commandments at the Indiana Statehouse.

• The filing is a direct challenge to a legal motion filed by Gov. Mike Braun and Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita requesting that an injunction blocking a display of the Ten Commandments, the Bill of Rights and the Preamble to the Indiana Constitution be removed. (FOX59)

⚖️ Speaking of Todd Rokita, the Indiana AG is threatening to sue the town of Merrillville over efforts to prevent a new U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in the area. (WTHR)

💰 The Indiana Department of Transportation handed out nearly 278,000 tickets and collected more than $3 million in one year after installing speeding cameras in the I-465/I-69 construction zone. (IndyStar)

📈 The gross assessed value of commercial, industrial and residential properties across Indiana collectively rose nearly 10% from 2025 to 2026. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)

The first phase of a multi-million-dollar project designed to make Indianapolis' far east side more walkable debuted yesterday.

Why it matters: The Circle City is in the middle of an ongoing effort to bolster park offerings, improve pedestrian safety and make places like the new Grassy Creek Greenway valuable third spaces for all residents.

Driving the news: The greenway's opening is part of a larger plan to connect far east-side neighborhoods to Grassy Creek Regional Park and the Grassy Creek Environmental Center, which opened last spring.

When both phases are complete, they'll add about 4.5 miles to the city's trail and greenway network.

Zoom in: The 1.6-mile Grassy Creek Greenway is a $3.3 million investment into the network.

• It stretches from Mitthoeffer Road to Carroll Road, with Grassy Creek Park in between.

Fun fact: Since 2016, the trails and greenways network has grown by 60 miles.

What's next: The next phase will connect from Grassy Creek Regional Park at 30th Street to the Pennsy Trail.

• Construction could begin as soon as 2031, and the project is projected to cost approximately $14.7 million.

America's food loyalties run deep — right down to the chips at your Independence Day BBQ.

State of play: New Instacart data shows the most uniquely popular potato chip brands by state, based on last year's July Fourth orders.

How it works: Instacart analyzed orders placed on the platform from June 30 to July 6, 2025, to identify which potato chip brands stood out most in each state relative to their national share.

What they found: We Hoosiers keep it classic. And it doesn't get much more classic than a bag of Lay's, which was the top choice in Indiana and 15 other states.

Zoom out: Utz over-indexes across the Mid-Atlantic, Cape Cod is big in New England and Kettle Brand pops in the Pacific Northwest.

• Meanwhile, Siete, Better Made and Zapp's each claim their home states.

The bottom line: Consider this your reminder to hit the chip aisle before the long weekend.