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The Times Square ball will descend eight times between July 3 and July 4 to mark midnight in each U.S. time zone and territory. The rolling countdown is part of a semiquincentennial event organized by America250.
The sequence begins at 10 a.m. ET on July 3 in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands and ends at 7 a.m. ET on July 4 in American Samoa. The traditional New York countdown at 11:59 p.m. ET on July 3 serves as the centerpiece.
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The eight drops are part of the inaugural Giving 4th Broadcast Benefit Show, a live special from One Times Square. m. org. America250 said the rolling countdown is designed to unite Americans across the country during the nation's 250th birthday. The same organization also launched Giving 4th, an initiative encouraging charitable giving and volunteer work.
Background The redesigned ball debuted during the 2025-26 New Year's Eve celebration after renovations to One Times Square. America250 Chair Rosie Rios said the July event creates a shared experience for every American. "This is more than a countdown. It's a moment that brings the entire country together, one time zone at a time," she said in the announcement.
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abcnews.go.comPope Leo XIV received the award on July 3 in a livestreamed event. He spoke about the nation's 250th anniversary and immigration in remarks tied to a recent letter.