Raleigh marks America 250 with 'First in Freedom' events at State Capitol, Dix Park fireworks

North Carolina celebrated the Fourth of July and the nation's 250th anniversary with a 1.4-mile "First in Freedom" parade in downtown Raleigh on Saturday followed by a celebration at the State Capitol.

Later in the evening, thousands showed out to Raleigh's 4th of July Celebration at Dix Park.

The venue opened at 6 p.m., and as crowds gathered at the Big Field, temperatures rose to over 100 in Raleigh by the time groups lined up outside the entrance.

Once inside, people were quick to take advantage of the tents that read two words: "FREE WATER".

“Just stay hydrated try and find as much shade as you can and just don’t overwork yourself," said an attendee. 

Ice cream and smoothie vendors were some of the busiest throughout the night as park-goers grabbed a spot on the grass to set up and stake out for the fireworks show at the end of the night.

“We missed the Hurricanes parade so I was determined not to miss the fireworks," said Josh Hollard, who brought his entire family to the festivities.

The city closed the festivities with a fireworks show at Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh. 

Patriotism and pride were on full display as Americans young and old gathered on Fayetteville Street at 9:30 a.m. to commemorate the nation’s history.  You can watch the full parade here.

It was a day full of emotions for Maureen Gilchrist.

"My mom, may she rest in peace, she was a big patriot," Gilchrist said. "My dad was in the military for 21 years."

The parade started early, which was good considering the extreme heat warning and record-breaking temperatures forecast for the Fourth of July.

"It is monumental heat, but right now, it’s not bad," Gilchrist said. "A little sweat, but it’s worth it. It’d have to be 120 [degrees] to keep me away from this morning.”

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It wasn't 120 degrees, but the high on Saturday afternoon is expected to reach 103 degrees, and it could feel as hot as 110 degrees.

Still, families from all walks of life were taking in the sights and sounds, celebrating not only America but every corner of North Carolina. 

"It’s just a great day where people can come together for one cause, a simple cause, togetherness," said Willie Pulley.

Raleigh, Cary have fireworks displays Saturday night

WRAL’s Gerald Owens and the well-traveled WRAL Storm Tracker were part of the parade along with several guests from out of state, including Genevieve Shaughnessy from Virginia.

"It's a little warm," Shaughnessy said. "We’re going to the Marbles Children’s Museum for some air conditioning and drinking lots of water and taking breaks.”

Another parade reveler, Ami Bay, just moved to the area from Egypt.

"It’s great to be here in America," Bay said. "I love it.”

Following the parade, Gov. Josh Stein delivered remarks at the "Capitol 250: NC Freedom Fest" event at the State Capitol. The ceremony also included a reading from the Declaration of Independence, music by the Raleigh Concert Band and a flyover featuring the North Carolina Army National Guard. The event concluded with a wreath laying.

Stein said he had participated in a naturalization ceremony earlier in the day, welcoming 49 new Americans from 25 countries.

"Their enthusiastic embrace of our country and its ideals reminds us just how blessed we are to call this remarkable nation our home," Stein said.

Highs were in the upper 90s when Stein spoke at 12:30 p.m., and the governor asked everyone to drink water and sit down in the shade if they began to feel dizzy.

Much of the country is in a heat wave, which is impacting national Fourth of July events. The Associated Press reports that, in Washington, the Great American State Fair was closed for several hours Friday afternoon during the worst of the heat.

America 250 events will continue into Saturday night, and President Donald Trump plans to speak on the National Mall in Washington before a massive fireworks show.

Many of the Triangle area's festivities already occurred Friday night, but Cary and Raleigh have fireworks on Saturday night. Find a list of events here.