Live coverage: America 250 celebrations across Central California
Last updated: Friday, July 3, 2026 11:42PM GMT
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Events are being held across Central California and the country this week to mark America's 250th anniversary.
The theme for celebrations in Fresno this week is "One America, One Fresno."
Celebrations are being held across the city as it is a time to reflect on our nation's history, honor those who have served, and embrace the diversity that makes Fresno strong.
ABC is marking America's 250th anniversary with 24 hours of unparalleled programming called "Disney Celebrates America."
The multi-platform broadcast, led by ABC News "World News Tonight" anchor David Muir, will feature coverage across all 50 states, beginning July 3 at 7 p.m. PT on Friday, July 3 and running through July 4.
Jul 02, 2026, 5:09 PM
America 250 events in the City of Fresno
Join ABC30 and the City of Fresno as we celebrate America's 250th anniversary under one shared theme: One America, One Fresno.
Celebrations will be held across the city as it is a time to reflect on our nation's history, honor those who have served, and embrace the diversity that makes Fresno strong.
Click here for a full list of events happening across Fresno.
Jul 03, 2026, 1:38 PM GMT
Increased law enforcement during Operation Dry Water Weekend
Thousands of law enforcement officers across the US will be on alert for those violating boating under the influence laws during the annual Operation Dry Water weekend.
This year's operation runs Friday through Sunday.
Thousands of law enforcement officers across the US will be on alert for those violating boating under the influence laws during the annual Operation Dry Water weekend.
Fresno County's Boating Enforcement Unit will join the U.S. Coast Guard and others in the annual campaign.
It's designed to educate boaters about the dangers of boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The unit will be patrolling Shaver Lake, Pine Flat Lake and the Kings River.
The mission is to reduce the number of alcohol and drug-related incidents and fatalities on the water.
In 2025, officers across the nation contacted nearly 233,000 boaters and removed over 500 impaired operators from our nation's waterways.
Experts urge firework and water safety for children during Fourth of July weekend
The community is gearing up to celebrate a major milestone this weekend: America's 250th birthday!
Kristina Pasma with Valley Children's Hospital says the trauma center is prepared for emergencies and reminds parents to be extra vigilant.
"With things like sparklers, parents assume they are safe, but they can get as hot as 1200 degrees, which can melt glass, so imagine that on your skin, in your eye. So, we get some pretty significant burns in kids from fireworks," said Pasma.
Kristina Pasma at Valley Children's Hospital says the trauma center is prepared for emergencies during the Fourth of July weekend.
CHP launches enforcement period as nearly 9 million Californians travel for Fourth of July weekend
As millions of Americans prepare to hit the road this holiday weekend, local law enforcement has a message for people traveling on these busy roads.
"The CHP is gonna provide an increased presence for the holiday weekend, ensuring that the motoring public is operating safely, obeying laws, and everyone is able to celebrate the 250th birthday of our nation safely," explains Sgt. Rob Hicke, with the California Highway Patrol in Visalia.
As millions of Americans prepare to hit the road this holiday weekend, local law enforcement has a message for people traveling on these busy roads.
Fresno plans downtown celebrations and historical exhibits for America's 250th birthday
Fresno will celebrate America's 250th birthday this weekend with what city officials are calling "the biggest 4th of July party downtown has ever seen."
Fresno will celebrate America's 250th birthday in spectacular fashion this weekend.
Branded as "the biggest 4th of July party downtown has ever seen," the festivities include food, fireworks and some history.
