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Fireworks, History And Fun In Historic Philadelphia For July 4
Boyz II Men, John Legend And Authentic U.S. History Take Center Stage For Sunoco Welcome America!, June 28-July 6
Press Release
FIREWORKS, HISTORY AND FUN IN HISTORIC PHILADELPHIA FOR JULY 4 Concerts, Fireworks And Authentic U.S. History Take Center Stage For Sunoco Welcome America!, June 28-July 6 PHILADELPHIA, April 18, 2008 - Throughout the year, Historic Philadelphia is a lively destination where visitors shop, dine and delve into America’s past. But from Saturday, June 28 through Sunday, July 6, the neighborhood where our nation was founded is transformed into celebration central for Sunoco Welcome America!, the city’s annual nine-day marathon celebrating America’s birthday in America’s birthplace. This year’s Independence Day festivities include patriotic ceremonies, exhibitions, concerts and fireworks—most of which are free. Fourth of July Fireworks Photo by R. Kennedy for GPTMC
Here are some of the ways visitors can fete freedom in Historic Philadelphia during Sunoco Welcome America!:
June 30-July 6:
- Now’s the time to board a U.S. naval destroyer and explore the ship with sailor guides. Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, Columbus Boulevard at Walnut Street, www.pennslandingcorp.org
July 3:
- Pops on Independence, one of the city’s newer Fourth of July traditions, gives revelers the chance to kick back and enjoy an alfresco evening concert of patriotic music featuring the renowned Peter Nero & the Philly Pops performing on a stage in front of Independence Hall. Blankets and picnic baskets encouraged. 8:30 p.m. Independence Mall, 5th & Market Streets, www.historicphiladelphia.org
July 3-6:
- During the Feel the Freedom Festival, history-themed scavenger hunts, face painting, the interactive Great American Holiday Show and 18th-century soldiers inspire kids’ imaginations. 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street, (215) 409-6700, www.constitutioncenter.org
July 4:
- In the shadow of Independence Hall, Philadelphia’s Independence Day ceremony includes presentations by Mayor Michael Nutter and other dignitaries, a reading of the Declaration of Independence and awards recognizing academic achievements of outstanding Philadelphia students. 10:00 a.m. 5th & Chestnut Streets, www.americasbirthday.com
- Descendents of those who signed the Declaration of Independence ceremonially tap the Liberty Bell, signaling a nationwide bell ringing during Let Freedom Ring. 2:00 p.m. Liberty Bell Center, 5th & Market Streets, www.americasbirthday.com
July 4-6:
- Fourth of July weekend calls for three days of entertainment at Franklin Square. After riding on the old-fashioned carousel and playing a game of Philadelphia-themed mini-golf, kids can get their faces painted, watch the jugglers and more. 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. 200 N. 6th Street, www.historicphiladelphia.org
- With a $5 donation, hungry festival goers can indulge in as much of the cool, creamy treat as they can eat at the Super Scooper All-You-Can-Eat Ice Cream Festival. Donations support the Joshua Kahan Fund to cure pediatric leukemia. 12:00 noon-6:00 p.m.; also 6:00-9:00 p.m. on July 5. Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, Columbus Boulevard at Walnut Street, www.pennslandingcorp.org
July 5:
- Hometown music heroes Boyz II Men take over the waterfront for an all-ages concert. Afterwards, the skies glow with spectacular, sparkling fireworks above the Delaware River. 6:30 p.m. Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, Columbus Boulevard at Walnut Street, www.pennslandingcorp.org
- The galleries of The African American Museum in Philadelphia are the backdrop for storytellers and costumed performers who recount the stories of Africans and African-Americans who shaped the nation. 12 noon-4:30 p.m. 701 Arch Street, (215) 574-0380, www.aampmuseum.org
July 5-6:
- Come hungry and sample culinary creations whipped up by dozens of the city’s top chefs during Taste of Philadelphia. 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, Columbus Boulevard at Walnut Street, www.pennslandingcorp.org
For more information about these events and for a look at the full nine-day schedule, visit www.americasbirthday.com.
Visitors celebrating America’s birthday in its birthplace can take advantage of the Philly Overnight® Hotel Package, including a two-night stay, free parking and a Philly’s More Fun™ teddy bear. The package is available at more than 30 hotels and is bookable online at www.gophila.com.
Sunoco Welcome America! is a multi-day festival that celebrates Philadelphia’s role as the birthplace of America and is produced by Mayor Michael Nutter through the Office of the City Representative, City of Philadelphia.
The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) makes Philadelphia and The Countryside® a premier destination through marketing and image building that increases business and promotes the region’s vitality. For more information about travel to Philadelphia, visit www.gophila.com or call the Independence Visitor Center, located in Independence National Historical Park, at (800) 537-7676.Note to Editors: For photos of Greater Philadelphia, visit our Photo Gallery. CONTACT: Andi Coyle, GPTMC (215) 599-2299, andi@gptmc.com _ Related RSS Feeds | Topic | XML Feeds | What's New This feed will be updated whenever any new content is added to Gophila.com’s Press Room. It includes all topics. |  | What is RSS?
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