Times Square Ball to drop on July 4 for first time in history during America 250 celebration

TIMES SQUARE, Manhattan — The iconic Times Square Ball is dropping on a day other than New Year’s Eve for the first time in its history.

The special series of ball drops on Friday and Saturday is part of the nationwide celebration marking America’s 250th birthday.

The festivities got underway at 10 a.m. Eastern as the first ball drop commemorated midnight in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.

Throughout the day, the ball will drop a total of eight times, marking midnight across every U.S. time zone and inhabited territory as Independence Day begins around the country.

The celebration will culminate with the traditional countdown to midnight in New York City, which organizers say will serve as the centerpiece of the historic event.

The July 4 celebration marks a rare departure from the Times Square Ball’s annual New Year’s Eve tradition, giving spectators another chance to witness one of New York City’s most recognizable symbols in action.

The event is part of the nationwide America 250 commemoration honoring the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.