A variety of events are taking place in the Mahoning Valley to celebrate Independence Day and the nation’s 250th birthday. Some are listed below:

FRIDAY

CANFIELD — There will be a fireworks show at 9:45 p.m. at the Canfield Fairgrounds. Gates open at 5 p.m. with live entertainment, concessions and activities for children.

SALEM — There will be a time capsule dedication at 10 a.m. at Liberty Center, 129 E. State St. This will be a celebration of the achievements of more than 30 organizations from Salem with speakers, a ribbon-cutting and music. There will be a patriotic-themed celebration for America250.

YOUNGSTOWN — First Friday Downtown Youngstown celebrates America250 at the Ohio One Building and the Apollo 5 to 8 p.m. on West Commerce and North Phelps. There will be nonprofits, community organizations and civic engagement opportunities. There will be live music on North Phelps and at the Apollo Event Center. Building tours will be given at the Ohio One Building, as well as guided historic tours by the Mahoning Valley Historical Society.

SATURDAY

AUSTINTOWN — The parade will start at noon at the intersection of Raccoon and Kirk roads. The theme is “250 Years of Freedom: Honoring Our Past, Celebrating Our Future,” in honor of America250. This event features parade floats, community organizations and a fireworks celebration.

AUSTINTOWN — The Austintown Historical Society will host the annual flag raising ceremony at 9 a.m. at the Austin Log Cabin on Raccoon Road. Dr. George Beelen, a former Austintown trustee and former Youngstown State University professor, is the featured speaker. The log cabin will be open for tours.

CANFIELD — The parade starts at 10 a.m., followed by festivities at the village green. Float judging will be at 8:30 a.m. Following the parade, there will be bands at the gazebo, a watermelon eating contest, pet costume parade, bocce tournament, bounce houses and games.

SUNDAY

YOUNGSTOWN — Ignite the Night Youngstown in honor of America250 will be 6 to 10:30 p.m. with a performance by the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra followed by a fireworks show at the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre and Wean Park. There will be a Walk of Fame induction ceremony at 6:45 p.m. for Billy Beck and Rick Ward of the Beck Ward Project, with a live performance at 7 p.m. The YSO will perform 8:30 to 9:15 p.m., with a 15-minute intermission before they perform again at 9:30 and will play their finale at 9:50 p.m., accompanying a fireworks show. There also will be food trucks and family activities all evening.