Published on : Thursday, June 12, 2014
Philadelphia, the birthplace of independence, is celebrating the Fourth of July in a big way. From the start of the annual Wawa Welcome America! celebration on June 28 to the Independence National Historical Park Service’s reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8, events celebrating America’s birthday will light up the streets,
the skies and the stages from the waterfront at Penn’s Landing to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on the other side of town.
Visitors who book the Philly Overnight Hotel Package for the long Fourth of July weekend not only get to celebrate America’s birthday in America’s birthplace, but their car stays free.
Here are just a few of the highlights of the jam-packed Fourth of July week in Philly.
Pre-Fourth Of July Fun:
Classical music lovers head to the waterfront for a free Philadelphia Neighborhood Concert by the renowned Philadelphia Orchestra. The evening’s program starts with the Star Spangled Banner, ends with the rousing 1812 Overture and includes a special appearance by the Phillie Phanatic as guest conductor. Concertgoers can stick around afterwards for a post-concert fireworks salute.
POPS! On Independence, one of Wawa Welcome America’s most popular events, returns with maestro Peter Nero conducting the orchestra in an evening of patriotic and other tunes. Concertgoers pack a picnic basket, bring a blanket or lawn chair and settle in for a delightful evening of free family entertainment in the shadows of Independence Hall.
One Festive Fourth:
Pay tribute to the U.S. at the Celebration of Freedom Ceremony, featuring music, a reading of excerpts of the Declaration of Independence and other special elements. This year’s ceremony recognizes the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the 60th anniversary of the Brown vs. Board Supreme Court decision.
Every Independence Day celebration needs a parade, and this one is a biggie. The Philadelphia Independence Day Parade features dozens of floats, marching bands, antique cars and more than 5,000 marchers who begin at Independence Hall and wind through Philadelphia’s most historic streets.
Live performers, games, activities, food and other treats highlight the Party on the Parkway.
Billed as the largest free concert in the country, Philly’s 4th of July Jam features an all-star lineup, including The Roots, Ed Sheeran, Nicki Minaj, Jennifer Hudson, Ariana Grande, Aloe Blacc and Vicci Martinez. After the last note fades, concertgoers look to the skies for the Fireworks Spectacular over the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
All Weekend Long:
During the All-American Celebration, taking place throughout “America’s Most Historic Square Mile,” 21st-century visitors mingle with 18th-century citizens such as Ben Franklin, George and Martha Washington, Thomas Jefferson and others. Visitors also play Colonial-era games, raise the flag with Betsy Ross, drill with the West Jersey Artillery and sign up to be a soldier in the Continental Army.
What was the life of a Revolutionary War soldier really like? History buffs find out during the National Constitution Center’s 1776 Experience, an outdoor recreation of a military encampment. Participants practice mustering with the troops, visit wounded soldiers in the medical tent, check out the blacksmith shop or perform carpentry or leatherwork. Inside, visitors can meet Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and other 18th-century friends, join in special activities and tour the Thomas Jefferson exhibit.
The Camden Waterfront puts the free in Freedom Festival, a four-day all-American celebration packed with family-friendly events. Free concerts for all ages, military displays, a beer garden, amusements, hands-on activities and even a fleet of giant ships made out of Legos keep the action going all weekend long. Add in the Adventure Aquarium’s new hippo exhibit, shipboard activities on the Battleship New Jersey and great views of the fireworks for all the makings of a memorable weekend.
On a hot summer day, nothing beats the Super Scooper All-You-Can-Eat Ice Cream Festival.Participants make a donation, which supports childhood leukemia research, grab a spoon and enjoy an unlimited amount of the frosty, yummy, worth-every-calorie treat.
The July Fourth After-Party:
The party isn’t over yet. The United States Army Band Pershing’s Own keeps the patriotic vibe going with an evening of free hand-clapping, flag-waving patriotic music. After the show, all eyes look to the skies for the spectacular Adventure Aquarium Waterfront Fireworks Celebration, seen and heard wonderfully from both sides of the Delaware River.
It’s Military Day at Adventure Aquarium and the Battleship New Jersey with discounted tickets for active and retired military personnel.
On the anniversary of the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence, Independence National Historical Park rangers attired in historic garb recreate that momentous event in U.S history on the steps of Independence Hall, the place where it actually happened.
Source:- Philadelphia
Tags: Philadelphia, Travel Destination News
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