WASHINGTON, July 4 (DC Times Online) — Visitors heading to Washington’s National Mall faced a mix of 250th-anniversary celebrations and dangerous heat Friday, after organizers temporarily closed the Great American State Fair and city officials canceled the Independence Day parade.
Washington is central to the nation’s semiquincentennial events, with President Donald Trump set to speak on the National Mall and a fireworks display planned over the capital. Trump had said he wanted the holiday to feature “the most spectacular TRUMP RALLY of them all” and “the largest fireworks show in history.”
The heat already changed plans. The Great American State Fair shut for several hours as temperatures neared 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and officials said the conditions could create serious health risks for people spending time outdoors.
The National Weather Service urged people to drink water, take breaks in shade or air-conditioning, check on older adults and others who may be vulnerable, and seek medical help right away for signs of heat illness. Philadelphia officials also canceled their Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade because of the heat, while New York City opened cooling centers and checked on homeless residents.
For travelers in Washington, the main takeaway was that holiday events on and near the National Mall were subject to both heat and schedule changes as the capital marked the 250th anniversary of independence.
