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The America250 kickoff event in Des Moines opened at 5 p.m. Thursday with a prayer and closed around 8:30 after an hourlong speech by President Donald Trump. Much of the crowd, which lined up hours ahead of the event and braved 90-plus degree temperatures, stuck around to watch fireworks at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.Thursday's event offered "patriotism, excitement, inspiration, and a glimpse into the grand festivities planned for America's 250th anniversary," according to a news release. Trump took the stage around 7:20 p.m. and spoke for more than an hour on his first visit back to Iowa since January of 2024, when he won the state's caucuses. Information from the Associated Press has been used in this article. Recapping the event:Trump says he'll sign "big beautiful bill' on Fourth of JulyPresident Donald Trump turned a heartland festival for the United States' upcoming 250th anniversary into a celebration of himself, basking in a crowd of supporters Thursday night shortly after Congress approved tax cut legislation that he championed.On the eve of the July 4th holiday, Trump said “there could be no better birthday present for America than the phenomenal victory we achieved just hours ago, when Congress passed the one big beautiful bill to make America great again.”The Republican president plans to sign the legislation Friday during a picnic at the White House, while stealth bombers and fighter jets that participated in recent airstrikes in Iran fly overhead, a symbolic synthesis of the overwhelming force that he’s deployed to reshape Washington and the country.“We’ve saved our country,” he boasted after taking the stage, pumping his fists while singer Lee Greenwood belted out Trump’s campaign trail anthem “God Bless the USA.” In addition to tax breaks, the legislation boosts funding for deportations while cutting back on healthcare and food assistance for low income people.����vlog political analyst Dennis Goldford responds to President Donald Trump's speech at the Iowa State FairgroundsAmerica250 in Des Moines: Watch Donald Trump's full speech from Iowa State FairgroundsU.S. Ambassador Crowley calls America250 something 'all Americans can come together to celebrate'U.S. Ambassador Monica Crowley, Trump’s liaison to the organizing group, America250, said in an interview that the celebration “is something that I think that all Americans can come together to celebrate and honor our history as well as our present and our future.”When she took the stage, she delivered an ode to Trump, describing him as the inheritor of the country’s original revolutionary spirit.“I don’t know what more people expect or want from an American president,” Crowley said. “He is literally fulfilling the entire job description, and so much more.”America250 in Des Moines: Trump reacts to sound of fireworks going off during speechApparent fireworks briefly disrupted President Donald Trump's speech Thursday night during the America250 rally at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. "Did I hear what I think I heard?" he asked before returning to the topic of illegal border crossings. After another faint "boom," he said: "Don't worry, it's only fireworks. I hope.""Famous last words. ... Trump said 'don't worry, it's only fireworks.' You always have to think positive. I didn't like that sound either."Nearly 1 year ago, he was wounded in an attempted assassination at a campaign rally near Butler, Pennsylvania.WATCH: 'It's only fireworks. I hope," Trump saysAmerica250 in Des Moines: President Donald Trump takes stage at America250 rallyTrump took the stage just after 7:20 p.m. to chants of "USA-USA-USA" and started his speech by saying, "What a crowd. Well, I just want to say a very special hello to Iowa. We have had a good time. ... We won so much here we didn't know what to do. It was so much winning here. ... We love Iowa. We won all three times."Watch Trump's full speech live in the video player above.America250 in Des Moines: President Donald Trump takes stage at America250 rallyTrump arrives in Des Moines with Iowa's U.S. RepresentativesTrump landed around 6:20 p.m. at the Des Moines International Airport and deplaned Air Force One just after 6:30, followed by all four of Iowa's U.S. Reps. — Randy Feenstra (4th district), Ashley Hinson (2nd district), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (1st district) and Zach Nunn (3rd district). Trump's speech is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.America250 in Des Moines: Full speech from US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke RollinsAmerica250 in Des Moines: Crowd reacts after spotting Air Force One passing overhead America250 in Des Moines: Attorney General Brenna Bird says 'we have always come through for President Trump'America250 in Des Moines: Sen. Chuck Grassley says 'big beautiful bill' makes 'America safe again'Young Trump voter hopes for 'more positive attitude towards the world'Elijah Martin, 19, drove with his grandpa to the event in Des Moines from Cedar Rapids. He cast his first presidential vote for Trump, whom he called “probably the greatest president of the 21st century.” He acknowledged the deep divides in the nation but said he thinks Trump is bringing people together with more people recognizing his impact every day.“Walk outside, look at the beautiful country we live in,” Martin said. “I just think a more positive attitude towards the world would really help.”America250 in Des Moines: Full speech from Sen. Joni ErnstAmerica250 in Des Moines: Full speech from Iowa GOP Chairman Jeff KaufmannIowa State Fair CEO Jeremy Parsons at America250: 'Fairs represent the very best of our nation'America250 in Des Moines: Singer Danny Gokey performs national anthemDanny Gokey sang "The Star Spangled Banner" and performed several other songs through technical difficulties from the stage. Gokey is a former church music director and third-place finalist on "American Idol" season eight.America250 in Des Moines: David K. Rehbein leads Pledge of AllegianceDavid K. Rehbein, past national commander of the American Legion, led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance.WATCH: Pastors Joseph and Tammi Hall open America250 event with prayerPastors Joseph and Tammi Hall opened Thursday night's America250 event at 5 p.m. with a prayer. The Halls are from Crossroads Church in Council Bluffs. Photos from the America250 crowd����vlog political analyst Dennis Goldford talks America250 event, Trump in Des MoinesTrump departs Joint Base Andrews in Maryland Air Force One departed from Joint Base Andrews in Maryland just before 4:30 p.m. (CT) Thursday. Trump's expected to arrive at the Des Moines International Airport around 6:30 p.m., an hour before his speech at the fairgrounds. WATCH: Trump departs Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, headed to IowaWATCH: Trump expected to arrive at Des Moines International Airport about an hour ahead of scheduled speechHow to get tickets to America250's Kick-Off Celebration in Des MoinesThe event is free and open to the public. Attendees can reserve up to two tickets per mobile number on the America250 website here. America250 spokesperson Hannah Stone told ����vlog that everyone planning to attend should RSVP so they receive updated guest guidance and access instructions.Where and when is the event?The event will be held on the Midway Plaza on the north side of the fairgrounds, just east of the Grandstand. Find a map of the fairgrounds here.Gates opened at 12:30 p.m. Preprogramming will begin at 5 p.m.WATCH: America250 in Des Moines: Attendees hustle to front-row seats as gates openHow to watch if you don't go����vlog will livestream the event here:WATCH: Crowd lines up to see President Donald Trump speak at Iowa State FairgroundsSome Iowans gather in protestWhile crowds formed early to get in line to see Trump in-person, some Iowans came together to protest.You can see more in the video below.Who's speaking and performing Thursday night?Trump is expected to speak at 7:30 p.m. The full lineup Thursday night has not been made public but will include Lee Greenwood, according to social media posts advertising the event. Greenwood's song, “God Bless the USA,” is a regular feature at Trump rallies and official events. Also attending will be Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.Crowley told ����vlog: "We're going to have local community leaders, local politicians. I'm also proud to announce we're going to have some dazzling displays, and we're also going to have live music, musical acts, and of course, fireworks leading into July 4th." Directions and parkingAttendees are encouraged to route their GPS to the Iowa State Fairgrounds address: 3000 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50317. There are two parking lots on the north side of the fairgrounds.The Fair suggests the following routes:Northern Iowa: From I-35, take I-235 to Exit 10A then head east on E University Avenue approximately four miles to the Fairgrounds.Southern Iowa: From I-35, take IA 5/US 65 to Exit 79 then head west on E University Avenue approximately four miles to the Fairgrounds.Eastern Iowa: From I-80 take Exit 141 (Hwy. 65 Bypass), travel south on Hwy. 65 to Exit 79 and head west on Hwy. 163 (E University Avenue) approximately three miles to the Fairgrounds. It is suggested that visitors enter the Fair parking lot at E 36th as a left-hand turn may not be allowed into the grounds at E 33rd at certain times.Western Iowa: From I-235, take Exit 10A then head east on E University Avenue approximately four miles to the fairgrounds. ����vlog forecast for Thursday nightTemperatures were in the mid-90s late afternoon in Des Moines as thousands gathered at the fairgrounds ahead of the America250 rally. Expect clear skies this evening with temps still near 90 at 7:30 p.m. when Trump is scheduled to deliver his remarks. Why kick off in Iowa?"We selected Iowa because it is America's heartland, and because it is right in the middle of the country and the entire purpose of America 250 is to try to unite the country. We've had a lot of divisions and polarization over the last several years, and what America's Birthday intends to do with the with the celebration in America250 is to bring the country together through patriotism, shared values, and this renewed sense of civic pride. "Trump calls Iowa 'one of my favorite places in the world' in post on Truth SocialTrump's previous visits to the Iowa State FairgroundsThis isn't the president's first time at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. He's been to the actual Iowa State Fair twice — first in 2015 and again in 2023, with rallies on the fairgrounds in 2015 and 2021.WATCH: Brief look at Trump's recent visits to IowaWhen is the United States' 250th?The 250th anniversary of the United States' founding takes place on July 4, 2026. On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, officially marking the 13 colonies' split from Great Britain.No 'Great American Fair' in IowaVideo of then-candidate Trump proposing a “Great American State Fair” in Iowa in May 2023 began to recirculate after his reelection last November. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, a Republican, told the White House earlier this year that Iowa stood “ready” to host the event and that Trump had the state's full support, according to a draft of Reynolds' letter obtained by The Associated Press.The culminating fair instead will be held next year on the National Mall in Washington, according to a White House official who was not authorized to share details publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. But Trump honored his initial proposal with a kickoff in the first-in-the-nation caucus state.When is the Iowa State Fair?The Iowa State Fair takes place Aug. 7-17. See all of our State Fair coverage here.» Subscribe to ����vlog's YouTube page» Download the free ����vlog app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google PlayPhotos: Donald Trump at the Iowa State FairFrom 2023: Donald Trump visits Iowa State Fair, draws attention away from GOP competitorsFrom 2015: Donald Trump arrives in helicopter for Iowa State Fair, gives children rides