WILLIAMSBURG, Va. — To celebrate the nation’s 250th year, Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area will host a two-hour televised PBS event as the finale of the holiday weekend.

The PBS broadcast, “American Made in Virginia: 250 Years Together,” begins at 8 p.m. Saturday and will include live performances, historic interpretation, 400 synchronized drones and an almost 30-minute fireworks show, the largest the historic area has seen.

Williamsburg officials in partnership with VA250 are preparing for the largest Fourth of July yet. An estimated 35,000 visitors attended last year’s holiday events and organizers expect to top that this year.

Documentary filmmaker Ken Burns will welcome attendees and viewers with a special greeting, beginning the evening of live performances from Judy Collins, Michael Feinstein, Kelli O’Hara and others. The Honorable John Charles Thomas, retired justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia, will deliver a poem to the audience. A pre-show will feature saxophonist Sam Rucker on Palace Green.

The main stage is located on Courthouse Green, and screens will display the performances for viewers on Palace Green. Fireworks will be set off from both the Governor’s Palace and the golf course at approximately 9:35 p.m. Guests are welcome to bring chairs.

The special will be broadcast live on local PBS stations and CSPAN-2, and will be streamed on the PBS website.

Events are scheduled throughout the day. As is tradition in Colonial Williamsburg on July Fourth, the day will begin with a Thomas Jefferson impersonator reading the Declaration of Independence from the balcony of the Capitol at 9:30 a.m.

Due to the high heat forecast for the holiday weekend, city officials urge guests to stay hydrated and be aware of the heat. Some activities may be shortened due to heat.

“We all have different medical needs,” Fire Chief Larry Snyder said. “Making sure they’re taking breaks, getting them into shade when necessary.”

Three cooling tents are available through the weekend, located at the main stage, near the Lumber House Ticket office and in front of the Capitol. Free water bottle filling stations are at the Courthouse Green and Capitol tents. Colonial Williamsburg is also providing weather-related SMS updates to those who text CWEVENTS to 226787.

Coolers are permitted, but officials stress the importance of not leaving them, or large bags, unattended. Tents, including pop-up tents, oversized umbrellas and drones are prohibited.

The 250th festivities begin at Williamsburg Thursday with live concerts, theatrical performances and activities.

“So much of what led up to the American Revolution happened here, and we are very proud and honored to be able to welcome all of our guests,” said Robert Currie, associate vice president of performing arts and signature events at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.

On Thursday, the Great American Dance Party featuring swing and jazz from local band Good Shot Judy will begin at 7 p.m. on Palace Green. A public auction will take place at 1 p.m. on Friday, and Alison Brown Quintet will perform a free concert at 6 p.m. at Merchants Square. Throughout the weekend, tickets are available for performances of “1776 the Musical.”

Officials recommend the visitor center for best parking. There is overflow parking at the Williamsburg Community Chapel with shuttles transporting guests to and from the historic area from noon to 11 p.m. Overflow parking is also available at Zable Stadium and Kaplan Arena.

Information for parking, event rates and bus schedules are at Colonial Williamsburg’s FAQ page. A July 4 map and the list of featured events is also online.

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