Here's why Made in America is more than just a music festival
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Bad Bunny, Don Tolliver and Burna Boy were just some of the big performers Sunday night at the Made in America Festival.
But this Labor Day tradition in Philadelphia isn't just about music. It's also about charity.
"I'm excited to see Bad Bunny, obviously, and Don Toliver," Sara Foulner said.
Despite sweltering temperatures and strict security protocols, Made in America drew thousands along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
This is the first major festival along the Parkway since the Fourth of July shooting and festival-goers say they are noticing more law enforcement in place.
Organizers say this is one of the largest crowds since COVID, with many at the festival not just there to enjoy more than three dozen live performances.
"It's also about how can I make change? And this is the place to do it," Dania Diaz, the managing director of Roc Nation, said.
Made in America is celebrating its 10th year in Philadelphia and also features Cause Village – the festival's philanthropic footprint, where more than 30 local and national organizations come out to connect with guests on a variety of issues.
"They're looking for ways to have impact. They're connecting with education causes, they're connecting with social and racial justice causes," Diaz said.
"They're supporting businesses in Philadelphia, small Black businesses as well," Salim Weldon, an entrepreneur said.
Made in America also highlights local entrepreneurs like Weldon, who tells CBS3 he met creator Jay-Z more than a decade ago and has been coming back ever since.
"Being an artist that came from Brooklyn and started up and I'm from Philadelphia, so if he can make it, I can make it," Weldon said.
And while this year's event may be wrapping up, organizers are already planning for 2023.
"We're always thinking about bigger and better and for me I'd say bringing in more organizations that are really, really making a difference in the Philadelphia community, but also nationwide," Diaz said.
Made in America reports a more than $150 million economic impact to the city since it began back in 2012.
Click here to learn more about road closures due to Made in America.
The city says the roads should be back open by 5 a.m. on Monday.