LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Thousands gathered along the Arkansas River on Saturday for Pops on the River, one of the state’s largest Independence Day celebrations, marking the nation’s 250th birthday with live music, family activities and a fireworks finale.
Despite periods of rain earlier in the day, crowds filled downtown Little Rock hours before the evening’s entertainment began. Many attendees said they traveled from communities across Arkansas to take part in the annual celebration.
As darkness fell, the fireworks display became the night’s main attraction, drawing cheers from spectators packed along the riverfront…