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Mar 26 2007

Philly's More Fun...When You Celebrate the Fourth of July

A Dozen Ways To Celebrate The Red, White And Blue In The Nation's Birthplace

 

Really, where better to celebrate America’s birthday than in the city where it all began? New attractions throughout Independence Mall provide visitors with expanded access and unprecedented opportunities to mark the nation’s anniversary. But Sunoco Welcome America!, the week-long citywide birthday bash, is the real reason Philly’s more fun on the Fourth. Check out a dozen of the city’s Independence Day week festivities:

  1. Six Days of the Fourth – The Independence Visitor Center celebrates America’s independence with activities before and after the big day. For a behind-the-scenes look at what went on with the Founding Fathers, a Breakfast With Ben provides all the details. Hear Ye! Hear Ye! takes the action outside where Colonial characters read the Declaration of Independence while fifes and drums play in the background. June 28-July 4. 6th & Market Streets, (215) 925-6101, www.independencevisitorcenter.com
  2. J Moss on the Gospel Stage – One of the best-loved contemporary gospel singers, J Moss, a former collaborator of R&B group Destiny’s Child, enchants the ears of new and old gospel fans at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing. June 29. Columbus Boulevard at Walnut Street, (800) 537-7676, www.americasbirthday.com
  3. Penn’s Landing Party and Fireworks – Throughout the summer, Penn’s Landing heritage festivals and outdoor film screenings draw crowds. But things really kick into high gear with family-friendly holiday events, including a gospel concert, All-You-Can-Eat Ice Cream Festival and the spectacular fireworks display that lights up the Delaware River. June 29-July 1. Columbus Boulevard at Walnut Street, (215) 922-2-FUN, www.pennslandingcorp.com
  4. Chaka Khan at Penn’s Landing – The dynamic Grammy-winning R & B diva, Chaka Khan, dazzles audiences along the Delaware River with her solid gold hits. June 30. Columbus Boulevard at Walnut Street, (800) 537-7676, www.americasbirthday.com
  5. Family Fun Days at Franklin Square – As if the Philly Mini-Golf, carousel rides and two spiffy new playgrounds aren’t enough, the Historic Philadelphia’s newest attraction will be decked out in red, white and blue for a weekend of games, prizes, family entertainment and activities. June 30-July 1. 6th & Race Streets, (215) 629-4026, www.onceuponanation.org
  6. Taste of Philadelphia – During this outdoor celebration of the city’s favorite foods, hungry visitors can sample specialties from dozens of restaurants that bring their culinary skills to this outdoor event. June 30-July 1. Independence Mall, (800) 537-7676, www.americasbirthday.com
  7. Independence Day Celebration – In the days leading up to the Fourth of July, the merriment at the National Constitution Center spills indoors and out with games, activities, fun, food and the Independence Day Show, featuring a cannon and a 13-gun salute. June 30-July 4. 525 Arch Street, (215) 409-6700, www.constitutioncenter.org
  8. Fiesta on the Parkway – Tito Puente, Jr. gets the crowd shouting “Arriba” as the son of the legendary Latino musician leads his band in playing lively salsa music, accompanied by previous Latin music Grammy winners and nominees. July 3. 20th Street & the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, (800) 537-7676, www.americasbirthday.com
  9. Pops on Independence Concert – As American as apple pie, Peter Nero & the Philly Pops entertain crowds with their lively renditions of patriotic tunes, all right in front of Independence Hall, no less. July 3. 5th & Chestnut Streets, (215) 629-4026, www.onceuponanation.org
  10. Let Freedom Ring – Usually silent, the Liberty Bell “rings” once a year during this ceremony in which a youthful descendent of one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence taps the Bell to remind the crowd of its message of freedom. July 4. Liberty Bell Center, 6th & Chestnut Streets, (800) 537-7676, www.americasbirthday.com
  11. Independence Day Ceremonies – Before the birthday parties begin, the city pays tribute to the men and women who declared independence, who fought for American’s freedom and who, for centuries defended the nation’s liberty. Patriotic music, presentations and other activities highlight this moving ceremony in the shadow of Independence Hall. July 4. 6th & Chestnut Streets, (800) 537-7676, www.americasbirthday.com
  12. Party on the Parkway, Parade and Fireworks – After the flag-waving, music-playing, rousing Southwest Airlines July 4th Parade up the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the evening culminates with a concert by rock legends Hall & Oates; and if this year is anything like years past, an eye-popping, jaw-dropping fireworks display over the Philadelphia Museum of Art. July 4. 26th Street & the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, (800) 537-7676, www.americasbirthday.com
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Tagged: Events, Holidays