PHOTOS: July 4 celebrations in the DC area

WASHINGTON — Fireworks, music, parades and more helped locals celebrate the United States’ 242nd birthday on Wednesday.

Find photos and videos of the festivities from around the D.C. area below.

President Donald Trump speaks, accompanied by first lady Melania Trump, during an afternoon picnic for military families on the South Lawn of the White House, Wednesday, July 4, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) (AP/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump, top center, accompanied by first lady Melania Trump, places his hand over his heart during the playing of the national anthem during an afternoon picnic for military families on the South Lawn of the White House, Wednesday, July 4, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) (AP/Alex Brandon)

Donald Trump, Melania Trump — President Donald Trump, accompanied by first lady Melania Trump, stand on the Truman Balcony as the national anthem is performed during the Fourth of July Celebration on the South Lawn of the White House, Wednesday, July 4, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) (AP/Alex Brandon)

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 04: People cool themselves in water spray from a fire truck outside the annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival on Independence Day July 4, 2018 in Washington, DC. An oppressive heat has settled over much of the nation and is expected to last at least through the end of the week, according to forecasts. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) — WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 04: People cool themselves in water spray from a fire truck outside the annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival on Independence Day July 4, 2018 in Washington, DC. An oppressive heat has settled over much of the nation and is expected to last at least through the end of the week, according to forecasts. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) (Getty Images/Alex Wong)

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 04: Children cool themselves in water spray from a fire truck outside the annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival on Independence Day July 4, 2018 in Washington, DC. An oppressive heat has settled over much of the nation and is expected to last at least through the end of the week, according to forecasts. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) — WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 04: Children cool themselves in water spray from a fire truck outside the annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival on Independence Day July 4, 2018 in Washington, DC. An oppressive heat has settled over much of the nation and is expected to last at least through the end of the week, according to forecasts. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) (Getty Images/Alex Wong)

President Donald Trump, accompanied by first lady Melania Trump, places his hand over his heart during the playing of the national anthem during an afternoon picnic for military families on the South Lawn of the White House, Wednesday, July 4, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) (AP/Alex Brandon)

A child takes a drink in front of the food buffet during an afternoon picnic for military families on the South Lawn of the White House, Wednesday, July 4, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) (AP/Alex Brandon)

U.S. flags surrounding the Washington Monument are backlit by the rising sun on Independence Day, Wednesday, July 4, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/J. David Ake) (AP Photo/J. David Ake)

A flag in the shape of the United States is seen at Nationals Park in D.C. on Fourth of July 2018. (WTOP/Jonathan Warner) (WTOP/Jonathan Warner)

A view of the parade in D.C. on Fourth of July 2018. (WTOP/Melissa Howell) (WTOP/Melissa Howell)

What’s your special skill? Because this guy can make the Stanley Cup out of balloons! pic.twitter.com/f7UhKwETra
— Megan Cloherty (@ClohertyWTOP) July 4, 2018

(WTOP/Melissa Howell)

It was an awesome Independence day with the #StanleyCup in Bethesda as fans donated more than $100k to ⁦@DefeatDIPG⁩ for a chance to see ⁦@JohnCarlson74⁩ ⁦@WTOP⁩ pic.twitter.com/PnTImtsQyf
— Megan Cloherty (@ClohertyWTOP) July 4, 2018

(WTOP/Melissa Howell)

The 4th of July parade has started, and #DCsBravest gator and bike teams stand ready to come to your assistance at a moments notice. pic.twitter.com/7XRdWukOSB
— DC Fire and EMS (@dcfireems) July 4, 2018

(WTOP/Melissa Howell)

Fans and supporters of Defeat #DIPG foundation enter Bethesda Row to see @JohnCarlson74 and #StanleyCup @wtop #IndependanceDay pic.twitter.com/RD421QAQjU
— Megan Cloherty (@ClohertyWTOP) July 4, 2018

See more photos from John Carlson’s Stanley Cup fundraiser in Bethesda. (WTOP/Melissa Howell)

No better way to kick off our July 4th w/ a stroll in the Annual Barrack’s Row Parade!!! #DCPolice pic.twitter.com/JK381AefET
— DC Police Department (@DCPoliceDept) July 4, 2018

(WTOP/Melissa Howell)

#DCsBravest from Engine 23 provide much needed mist from a fog nozzle during the National Independence Day Parade. @dcfireems is happy to keep our residents and visitors safe and cool during this heat wave. pic.twitter.com/bia6z79phD
— DC Fire and EMS (@dcfireems) July 4, 2018

(WTOP/Melissa Howell)

Happening Now: We're lined up and ready to go! The Barracks Row Independence Day Parade starts now! Happy 4th of July!!!! @MayorBowser @DCMOCA #HappyBirthdayAmerica #FourthofJuly2018 pic.twitter.com/MQrKudaALF
— DC Office on Women (@DCMOWPI) July 4, 2018

(WTOP/Melissa Howell)