Tangent
Washington’s annual “A Capitol Fourth” concert, which airs on PBS and is separate from Trump’s festivities, is slated to take place as scheduled Friday, U.S. Capitol Police announced Friday morning. The concert will take place outdoors on the West Lawn of the Capitol building and feature performances by a number of musical artists, including Trace Adkins, Patti LaBelle and Alan Jackson. The public will only be allowed to enter at 7 p.m., however, one hour before the concert begins. Police had previously closed a rehearsal for the event Thursday to the public due to the weather.
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What to Watch for
How well the fireworks event will run. Sources cited by MS Now expressed concerns about how the company behind Saturday’s event—which has also handled the much-maligned state fair—will handle the logistics of the massive event, which presents huge security challenges alongside the task of providing enough water and shelter to keep people safe in the heat. It also remains to be seen if the extreme temperatures and Trump’s lengthy planned speech could dissuade people from attending and mean crowds will be lower than anticipated.
Surprising Fact
In addition to the health risks posed by the heat, experts have also expressed concerns about potential pollution risks from Trump’s ambitious fireworks display, which will launch an unprecedented number of fireworks from multiple points around the city. The National Park Service cautioned the display could create a “hazardous” amount of pollution, according to a draft analysis reported by Politico, and experts have cautioned sensitive groups like people with asthma and the elderly should consider leaving the city or at least stay indoors to avoid exposure. “It’s going to be a disaster,” Dr. Anthony Wexler, director of the Air Quality Research Center at UC Davis, told MS Now. “It’s going to create a lot of particles in the atmosphere, and those particles are going to contain lots of toxic metals.”
Big Number
Up to $25,000. That’s how much people could pay if they want to beat the heat and watch the fireworks from the Kennedy Center’s roof terrace instead. The most expensive ticket package covers 36 guests and three tables, while cheaper options range from a $425 “Blue Pass” ticket at the lowest tier to a $15,000 package for 24 guests.
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Key Background
Trump has poured resources into the July 4 celebration, reportedly upending previous plans for America’s 250th anniversary and replacing it with his own celebrations like the Great American State Fair. The efforts are part of a broader intense focus the president has had on Washington, which has also led to controversial moves like repainting the Reflecting Pool, demolishing the White House’s East Wing to build a ballroom, and planning a new triumphal arch in the city. Many of those plans have become controversial or resulted in issues, with algae blooming in the Reflecting Pool and the new coating peeling off, the ballroom construction getting tied up in litigation and the State Fair drawing ridicule for its small crowds.
Further Reading
Trump’s Hyped July 4 In DC Faces 100-Degree ‘Extreme’ Heat (Forbes)
July 4 Fireworks Viewing At The Kennedy Center Features $25,000 Package—Here’s What’s Included (Forbes)
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As America Turns 250, Washington, D.C. Is Under Construction (Forbes)