Philadelphia and the Countryside - Press Room

Benjamin Franklin and Betsy Ross are getting married, and it’s happening in Philadelphia. In reality, Ralph Archbold, the city’s nationally recognized Ben Franklin re-enactor, fell in love with Linda Wilde, who often portrays Betsy Ross, and they decided to get married. The couple will exchange vows in a public ceremony on Thursday, July 3, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. in front of Independence Hall before the POPS on Independence concert, one of the Sunoco Welcome America! Fourth of July festival’s most popular traditions. Mayor Michael A. Nutter will officiate the ceremony, and the Grammy Award-winning Peter Nero and the Philly Pops

The best place to celebrate America’s birthday is the place where it all started 232 years ago—at Philadelphia’s Independence Hall. On Friday, July 4, 2008, at 10:00 a.m., Mayor Michael A. Nutter will lead the city’s Independence Day Ceremony, a commemorative event that pays tribute to the 18^th-century leaders who founded the United States, as well as up-and-coming 21^st-century leaders. The ceremony is one of many events that make up Sunoco Welcome America!’s nine-day Fourth of July festival, June 28 through July 6, 2008.

Set on an attractive new stage in front of Independence Hall, the

Whoever said less is more sure wasn’t thinking about Fourth of July in Philadelphia and The Countryside®. When it comes to celebrating America’s birthday, America’s birthplace knows that more is better. In addition to the many free events that are part of the Sunoco Welcome America! celebration, the region is jamming with dozens of events and festivals that celebrate our nation’s heritage. Here are a few more activities taking place during the nation’s birthday party:

In Historic Philadelphia:

• Once Upon A Nation hosts three evening adventures that bring visitors face-to-face with George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin. Participants

When it comes to celebrating America’s birthday, Philly does July 4 like nowhere else. A highlight this year will be the real-life wedding of two re-enactors who portray Benjamin Franklin and Betsy Ross. The couple will be married in front of Independence Hall with Mayor Michael A. Nutter officiating and Peter Nero and the Philly POPS providing the music. Add in back-to-back fireworks shows, free concerts starring John Legend and Boyz II Men, a Latin fiesta that will take over Benjamin Franklin Parkway and budget-friendly hotel packages for a Fourth of July weekend revelers won’t soon forget. All of the

Revelers in town for Sunoco Welcome America!, Philadelphia’s annual Independence Day celebration, can enjoy two evenings of free concerts during the festival, which runs from Saturday, June 28 through Sunday, July 6. Five-time Grammy winner John Legend will take the outdoor stage at the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art on Friday, July 4. And the next evening, Saturday, July 5, four-time Grammy winners Boyz II Men will perform at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing along the Delaware River waterfront. Both concerts will be followed by spectacular fireworks displays.

"Landing John Legend and Boyz II Men for Sunoco

Openings:

• Please Touch Museum and Centennial District – When it opens on October 18, 2008, the children’s museum’s new location in Fairmount Park’s Memorial Hall—a National Historic Landmark built in 1876 for the Centennial Exhibition—will boast three times more space for exhibitions and programs. Just outside the museum, kids and adults will also delight in riding the meticulously restored 1908 Woodside Park Dentzel Carousel. (215) 963-0667, www.pleasetouchmuseum.org
• President’s House – Within close view of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center, the President’s House Commemorative Site, to be erected in 2009, will mark the location of the nation’s