Local events this weekend will help Ames celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary, including fireworks at Jack Trice Stadium, a parade, a patriotic concert at Bandshell Park and a celebration at the Ames History Museum.

Ames Municipal Band concert

8 p.m. Thursday, Bandshell Park

The Ames Municipal Band will perform a patriotic-themed concert with recognition of veterans and members of the nation’s armed forces. Iowa State University Director of Bands Michael Golemo, will be directing the band, as usual.

Ames Celebrates America 250 – Big Bash

4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Ames History Museum

The Ames History Museum is celebrating the 250th anniversary with free admission and a large outdoor family event. It features local bands on the patio, a family fun zone with inflatables and face painting, free admission to the museum and a vintage car show. The featured theme is “We the people of Ames.”

“The idea came about because of our feature ‘We the People of Ames,’ which features local stories with national impact,” said Casie Vance, executive director of the museum. “Inside the museum, we will have a one-day-only showing of WWI propaganda posters. And a classic car show with a highlight on a WWII tractor tank.”

Fireworks

10 p.m. Friday, Jack Trice Stadium area

The fireworks at Jack Trice Stadium will be on Friday, starting when it is completely dark, likely around 10 p.m. Director of Business & Administration at Discover Ames, Dan Ramthun said the most common “best view” of fireworks are at the Iowa State Center.

“The S lots between Jack Trice and Hilton are always a good spot, a common spot where a lot of people watch them from,” he said.

Fourth of July parade

11 a.m. Saturday, downtown Ames

The annual parade, organized by the Ames Regional Economic Alliance, celebrates the nation’s semiquincentennial with the theme “Happy Birthday America!” Parade judges will be at Tom Evans Park, and every entry in the parade will be judged based on its creativity, community engagement, and how well it followed this year’s theme. The winner will be announced on the day of.

The festivities begin at 11 a.m. on Main Street near Cornbred Barbecue and end on 5th Street. Executive Director of Ames Main Street Ronnie Bartmess said 70 parade entries ranging from non-profits to political groups will be present.

“We expect 3 to 4,000 people, but it depends on the weather; we hope people can come out and enjoy, and we will have a splash pad for kids to cool off after the parade,” said Bartmess.