LIVE Updates on 4th of July weekend events, fireworks in Chicago area

President Donald Trump kicked off a weekend of celebrations for America's 250th birthday with a speech at Mount Rushmore on Friday.

Ahead of the trip, the White House suggested Trump could be an "addition" to the mountain where the faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln are etched.

"There would be no better addition to the iconic Mount Rushmore than the 45th and 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump," White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said in a statement to ABC News.

Trump has previously mused about putting his likeness on the granite peak. He called it a "good idea" on social media in 2020. But so far in his second term, there's been no significant movement toward making that a reality.

The White House did not respond to questions about whether there are actual plans to add the president's likeness to Mount Rushmore and, if so, in what capacity.

Trump flew to Keystone, South Dakota, on the newly retrofitted Air Force One 747, a gift from the Qatari royal family. The president used the jet for the first time earlier this week for a trip to North Dakota for the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library.

Upon his arrival, Air Force One conducted a flyover over Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota ahead of the president's remarks.

The Mount Rushmore festivities also include performances by military bands and tributes to the Armed Services. It will culminate in a large fireworks display, the first fireworks show at the national memorial in years, according to the National Park Service.

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"World News Tonight" anchor David Muir kicked off ABC News' celebration of America's 250th birthday by climbing up through Lady Liberty's right arm to reach the torch, standing over 300 feet in the air.

Read more.

A Navy Pier party Friday night in Chicago helped Disney Celebrate America's 250th birthday ahead of the Fourth of July.

A Navy Pier party Friday night in Chicago helped Disney Celebrate America's 250th birthday ahead of the Fourth of July.

Live coverage continues all day long Saturday on ABC7, ABC News Live and Disney+.

Communities across the region are celebrating Independence Day with festivals, live entertainment and family traditions, with many events taking on added significance during the nation's 250th birthday year.

In Bartlett, organizers are promoting their Independence Day celebration with the motto, "Come for the carnival. Stay for the music. And the food." The community has hosted July 4 celebrations for many years, but organizers say this year's event is larger than usual.

The celebration was in full swing Friday afternoon and is scheduled to continue throughout the weekend. Bartlett is one of several nearby communities drawing visitors with holiday festivities.

Communities are celebrating Independence Day with festivals, entertainment and traditions, with added significance during the nation's 250th birthday.

In Hoffman Estates, a festival at the NOW Center parking lot features free admission and live music. Rain delayed the start of festivities Friday, but organizers worked to make up for lost time.

"It's a lot off fun. A lot of work but it's a lot of fun. A lot of volunteers," Hoffman Estates Mayor Bill McLeod said.

Volunteers also play a major role at Frontier Days in Arlington Heights, where organizers are marking the festival's 50th anniversary this year. The event began as a celebration of the nation's Bicentennial in 1976 and continued long after that milestone year.

"It went so well that year they said let's do it again next year, and here we are 50 years later and we're still doing it," said Jim Glueckert, co-chair of the festival.

For many families, this year's Independence Day celebrations carry additional meaning as the country observes its 250th birthday.

The Frontier Days festival began Friday and kicked off the Fourth of July holiday weekend in Arlington Heights.

"We're into history and teaching them history. We wanna have fun with it but also understand where we came from," Arlington Heights resident Melissa Bonney said.

Some communities, including Aurora, have already postponed fireworks displays because of the weather forecast. In Bartlett, organizers are keeping their fingers crossed. Fireworks are scheduled for tomorrow but they have skydivers planned for about 7:30 p.m.