America 250 Celebration to Feature Historic Times Square Ball Drop and Nationwide Festivities

Final preparations are underway across the country as America celebrates its 250th birthday with a series of events stretching from coast to coast.One of the biggest attractions will take place in New York City's Times Square, where a special ball drop will be held for the first time outside of New Year's Eve festivities.The newly designed Constellation Ball will descend at midnight to mark the nation's semiquincentennial, adding a new chapter to a tradition that has welcomed the New Year in Times Square for more than a century. The famous ball has evolved over the decades, from its original wooden design to aluminum construction and today's crystal-covered centerpiece.Rosie Rios, former U.S. Treasurer and chair of the bipartisan America 250 initiative, says the ball symbolizes the nation's shared values, with thousands of individual crystals representing life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. She hopes the celebration serves as a reminder that the United States remains a land of opportunity while bringing people together during the milestone anniversary.The celebration extends far beyond Times Square. A parade of 47 tall ships from around the world is scheduled to sail beneath the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, past the Statue of Liberty, and up the Hudson River, creating what organizers say will be the largest maritime and aerial gathering in U.S. history.Fireworks displays, military flyovers, and performances are also planned throughout the celebration. Country music star Brad Paisley is among the featured performers and says singing "America the Beautiful" during the historic event is an honor he immediately accepted.Earlier this summer, organizers also unveiled the America 250 Time Capsule, which includes a crystal from the Constellation Ball. The capsule will be buried outside Independence Hall in Philadelphia, where it will remain for the next 250 years.The historic celebration marks a once-in-a-generation milestone as Americans gather to commemorate the nation's 250th birthday.Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley. For more Coachella Valley News visit NBCPalmSprings.com