POCATELLO — A New York pianist, a Native American dance troupe and one of the biggest fireworks shows the Gate City has ever seen — Bannock County is going all out for America’s 250th birthday.

The centerpiece of the July 4 celebration is a massive evening event at the Portneuf Wellness Complex, where live music, food, vendors and fireworks will fill the night. Gates open at 6:30 p.m.

A large stage on the soccer fields will feature local country artist Patrick Averill at 6 p.m., followed by Dawson Moon and the Gamblers at 8 p.m. — a band gaining prominence on the national music scene. A Native American dance troupe will also perform during the evening. More than 30 vendors and a concession stand will be available throughout the night, and a pie-eating contest kicks off at 5 p.m. A car show hosted by the Poky Car Club runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Simultaneously, the Idaho State-Civic Symphony will perform at the amphitheater stage beginning at 8 p.m. Free general admission lawn seating is first-come, first-served — bring blankets and low-profile chairs. The program features classic American works by Aaron Copland, George Gershwin, Leonard Bernstein and John Philip Sousa. Guest performers include New York pianist Jeffrey Biegel, who will perform “Rhapsody in Red, White and Blue” by composer Peter Boyer — written to mark the 100th anniversary of Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.” Lenet Neifert will perform “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” vocalist Jenna McLean will draw from the Great American Songbook, and soprano Jordan Bowman will perform “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

“Each work offers different perspectives on what it means to be American — from defiant revolutionaries to inspired visionaries — which have formed the American identity,” the Idaho State-Civic Symphony said. “The Idaho State-Civic Symphony honors this American tradition and invites families to join them for this momentous celebration and national holiday.”

The evening’s festivities aren’t the only way to celebrate. Historic Downtown Pocatello kicks off the holiday weekend a day early with a First Friday Art Walk July 3, including a special America 250 event at 5 p.m. outside the Marshall Public Library, 113 S. Garfield Ave. The highlight is the sealing of a community time capsule set to be opened in 2076, which will be permanently mounted on the second floor of the library. Mayor Mark Dahlquist delivers opening remarks at 5:30 p.m.

The following morning, the annual Independence Day parade steps off at 9:30 a.m. July 4 in Historic Downtown Pocatello. With 84 entries, it shapes up to be one of the largest yet. The procession begins at West Fremont and North Main, travels north to Sublette, turns left onto Arthur, heads south to Bonneville, then turns left back onto Main Street, continuing to Lander, where it disperses in the Union Pacific parking lots. Due to the Center Street Underpass closure, the route runs only on the west side of downtown. Registration is open through July 3 at historicdowntownpocatello.com.

Then, as the sun goes down, all eyes turn back to the Wellness Complex, where the fireworks show begins around 10 p.m. Attendees can tune their radios to listen to patriotic music synchronized with the display, which can be seen from miles around. Organizers are promising a few surprises.

“This year is going to be exceptional,” said Scott Crowther, Bannock County Events Complex director. “It’s going to be a huge event, so just get here early and enjoy the day. It’s going to be such a great day celebrating our country.”