Fourth Of July Parade, Concert, And Fireworks Take Over Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Security is tight on the Ben Franklin Parkway as Philadelphia celebrates the Fourth of July. Following a mass shooting at an Independence Day parade near Chicago, Philadelphia police say they are monitoring the situation.

The shooting left six people dead and at least 30 injured in Highland Park, Illinois.

In the wake of the shooting, Philly police say they are working to ensure those celebrating the day at the Wawa Welcome America concert on the Ben Franklin Parkway, and in other parts of the city, are safe.

Police say Homeland Security Unit resources are on hand, as well as Emergency Response Teams that are on standby to respond to areas where additional resources are needed.

What happened in Illinois was also on everyone's minds. People CBS3 spoke with say the extra presence made them feel safe.

Red, white, and brothers in blue were posted up all over the Parkway for the Fourth of July Welcome America Festival.

Philadelphia police say they beefed up security ahead of the event and made sure hundreds of public safety resources were available.

Officers were spotted everywhere, patrolling by car, bike and on foot. Trash trucks were also set up to block roads.

"Obviously, we implemented enhanced safety measures. We want to make sure this is a safe experience for all of our guests," a man said.

Before you could party on the parkway, you had to pass through security checkpoints that scanned for weapons.

"I'm glad they out here to protect and make sure nothing goes wrong with the festivities tonight and just have fun and enjoy the day," a visitor said.

People were all decked out with patriotic hats and outfits.

Spirits were high and the atmosphere was electric.

"You could feel the energy," one person said.

"People are so excited to be back and so excited to be celebrating and be back together as a community," another person said.

Especially when Jason Derulo took the stage.

Fireworks then capped off a spectacular celebration, lighting up the night sky. It was the perfect way to end the Parkway party.

"I like the sounds and the colors and it just exploding up in the air," one person said.

It's hard to find a more patriotic place to celebrate the Fourth of July than Philadelphia.

After being put on hold because of the pandemic, Fourth of July celebrations were on full display in Philadelphia.

The Declaration of Independence was read out loud at Independence Hall. Speakers spent an hour celebrating those that make Philadelphia and the country a better place.

The Salute to America Independence Day Parade kicked off down Market Street. Vibrant costumes, marching bands and cultural groups put on a show for families lining the parade route who were thankful it's back this year.

"It's nice to be out with people again and socialize," James Farmer said.

"It's one of those nice breaths of fresh air. Because things are kind of getting back to normal. Everybody's not wearing masks anymore," Evan Thomas said.

Watching the parade is a tradition for Thomas. He's been coming since he was a kid.

Another family stumbled upon the parade route while visiting from Indiana.

"This is our first time to the city. We've never been here so we are checking out all the sites," Tiffany Leonard said.

Earlier Monday morning, CBS3 caught up with crews at the Convention Center as they were finishing up some of the floats. The attention to detail is pretty remarkable.

"This is always the exciting moment when you put the final touches on it and you make sure everything is very presentable and beautiful for the parade audience. And a lot of Stapling, and drilling, and fluffing, all kinds of things, flowers and trees," Parade Choreographer Todd Marcocci said.

And from City Hall to the party on the Parkway, Philadelphia police are making their presence known on bikes, on foot and increasing patrols to keep everyone safe.

"We've lived in Philadelphia for a while but we've never come down here for the Fourth of July, so we wanted to check it out," Johan Detter said.

From food trucks to games and multiple music stages, Philly knows how to celebrate Independence Day, attracting families all the way from Ireland.

"We've never been in America for the Fourth celebration, so we landed in Washington and I thought Philadelphia has been recommended, so we hopped on the Amtrak train and here we are," Kathryn Hill said.

The weather has also been perfect Monday.

CBS3's Ross DiMattei, Ryan Hughes and Kerri Corrado contributed to this report.

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• Philadelphia