ABC News' Mary Bruce took viewers to the top of the fair's Ferris wheel.
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, features coverage across all 50 states, beginning July 3 and running through July 4.
Joey Chestnut was crowned the winner of the 2026 Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest for the 18th time on Saturday, eating 66 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes at Coney Island.
Miki Sudo won the women’s contest, downing 38.75 hot dogs to win for a record 12th time.
Military jets are filling the sky with red, white and blue over New York City’s Hudson River.
Britain’s King Charles is congratulating President Donald Trump and the American people on the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, writing in a statement, "This year marks a truly historic milestone and a moment of great celebration for Americans everywhere."
The monarch praised the relationship between the two nations as "one of extraordinary evolution, from overcoming conflict to forging one of the closest and most productive alliances the world has seen."
"The connection between our peoples is one that I trust will only grow stronger with time," he wrote. "As you mark this momentous occasion, my wife and I send our warmest good wishes to you and to the people of the United States of America, today and in the years ahead."
-ABC News' Claire Bower
56: The number of people who signed the Declaration of Independence.
13: The number of times the descendants of the Declaration of Independence signers tap the Liberty Bell to recognize the original 13 colonies.
2276: The year that a time capsule buried in 2026 will be reopened. Mementos from across the country will be inside, including Mardi Gras beads from Louisiana, a whale bone from Maine and a crystal from New York City’s New Year’s Eve ball.
17,000: The estimated number of professional fireworks displays round the country.
