Philadelphia Throws An Old-Fashioned-Morning And Pop-Star-Evening Fourth Of
July
WHAT: America's birthplace, Philadelphia, is throwing the biggest party in the U.S. on the Fourth of July. Sunoco Welcome America's morning festivities center around Independence Hall with an old-time feel and reverence for American history, while the night's party moves to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway for a concert featuring Sheryl Crow and Philly's own The Roots followed by a fireworks display over the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
WHO: Sunoco Welcome America! is produced by Welcome America, Inc. and marketed in part by the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC).
WHEN: Saturday, July 4, 2009
9:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m. Lincoln 200: The Bicentennial Birthday Festival - Themed "Lincoln Then and Now," Lincoln 200 gears up on Independence Mall with art displays, exhibitions, living history programs, storytelling, children's activities and, of course, Honest Abe himself (via an interpreter). Between Arch & Chestnut Streets and 5th & 6th Streets
10:00 a.m. Independence Day Ceremony at Independence Hall - Mayor Michael Nutter, musicians and dignitaries honor America's 233rd birthday in front of the building where the Declaration of Independence was signed. Chestnut Street between 5th & 6th Streets
11:00 a.m. Parade in Historic Philadelphia - Encircling the Liberty Bell Center, Independence Hall and the Lincoln 200 birthday bash, this Main Street-style parade features antique cars, fire trucks, marching bands, a drum and bugle corps, active military and recording artists Joey Page (Radio Disney) and Philly's own Lauren Hart.
12:00 noon-6:00 p.m. Party on the Parkway - A day-long roster of food, games (inflatable rides, face painting), entertainment (Strongman Classic, salsa contest, live music, children's theater) and play areas hosted by the Philadelphia Zoo and Please Touch Museum(R) make the Benjamin Franklin Parkway a hub of family fun. Benjamin Franklin Parkway, from 20th to 24th Streets
8:00 p.m. The Sunoco Welcome America! Life, Liberty and You Concert - The Roots, Philly's Grammy Award-winning hip-hop band, return home to get the party started for the largest free concert in America. Pop-rock sensation Sheryl Crow headlines Philly's Fourth of July finale outside the iconic Philadelphia Museum of Art. Immediately following the concert, an 18-minute fireworks show, themed "Great Orators," will burst into the sky with the majestic museum as its backdrop. 26th Street & the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
FOR INFORMATION:
For festival news, visit welcomeamerica.com.
For affordable hotel packages and travel ideas, visit gophila.com/july4th.
The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) makes Philadelphia and The Countryside(R) 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 gophila.com or uwishunu.com, where you can build itineraries; search event calendars; see photos and videos; view interactive maps; sign up for newsletters; listen to Hear Philly, an online radio station about what to see and do in the region; book hotel reservations and more. Or, call the Independence Visitor Center, located in Historic Philadelphia, at (800) 537-7676.
NOTE TO EDITORS: High-resolution Fourth of July images are available for download at gophila.com/pressroom.
CONTACTS: Cara Schneider
(215) 599-0790, cara@gptmc.com
Jeff Guaracino
(215) 599-2290, jeff@gptmc.com
/PRNewswire -- July 2/
Source: Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation
Web Site: http://www.gophila.com/
