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The Independence Day fireworks celebration on the National Mall will begin later than usual, last nearly twice as long and feature what organizers say will be the largest fireworks display ever staged as the Trump administration marks the nation’s 250th anniversary, according to The Washington Post.
Officials with Freedom 250, the public-private partnership overseeing much of the semiquincentennial celebration, said the July 4 fireworks will begin after 10:30 p.m. and could start as late as 11 p.m. The show is expected to last about 40 minutes.
In most years, fireworks on the National Mall begin shortly before 9:30 p.m. and last between 17 and 25 minutes.
Organizers have not provided an official explanation for the later start. President Donald Trump has said he plans to begin speaking at 9 p.m., describing the evening as a rally. Freedom 250 also said the expanded production is part of an effort to break the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest fireworks display.
“This isn’t just another Independence Day. It’s America’s 250th,” Danielle Alvarez, an adviser to Freedom 250, said in a statement. “And history only comes around once.”
The delayed schedule has prompted criticism from some prospective attendees, particularly because organizers have encouraged visitors to arrive early despite forecasts calling for temperatures above 100 degrees. Others have objected to restrictions that ban coolers, lawn chairs, bags, and more than one bottle of water on the National Mall.
A Freedom 250 spokesperson said four free hydration stations will be available for visitors.
“We’re closely monitoring conditions and will keep adjusting as needed to make sure everyone stays safe and has a great time,” the spokesperson said.
Organizers hope to surpass the current Guinness World Record of approximately 810,000 fireworks, set during a New Year’s celebration in the Philippines in 2016.
Stephen Vitale, chief executive of Pyrotecnico, said the company plans to launch more than 850,000 fireworks from 10 locations, including West Potomac Park, the Reflecting Pool and barges on the Potomac River. Vitale said favorable weather, particularly a light breeze to disperse smoke, will be important to the show’s success.
A typical National Mall Independence Day celebration features about 20,000 fireworks, he said, making this year’s display roughly 10 times larger than any previous production his company has staged in Washington.