Phila. Celebrates Fourth with Fireworks and Fun
by KYW's Ian Bush
Many are celebrating this Fourth of July weekend with a trip to the shore, or maybe the Poconos. But there's plenty to do if you're staying closer to home -- especially in America's birthplace.
Philadelphia has a lot on tap on Saturday, beginning at noon:
"There is the Chinatown block party on 10th and Arch Streets. You can come and sample a variety of Asian cuisines."
Welcome America executive director Melanie Johnson says you also can enjoy the spectacle of the dragon dancers.
From 10am-5pm, the Christ Church Burial Ground at 2nd and Arch Streets lets you meet the "founding fathers" with a wreath-laying ceremony and family activities like a children's scavenger hunt.
Meanwhile, at Penns Landing, it's all about satisfying your sweet tooth. The All-You-Can-Eat Ice Cream Festival starts at noon, and lasts all day (it also runs until 5 on Sunday). A $5 donation goes to fight pediatric leukemia.
Then, stay along the water for a free musical delight:
"The Philadelphia Orchestra will be performing at Penns Landing. That's going to be really great. It's part of their neighborhood series."
That's at 8 o'clock -- and it's followed by another fireworks show along the Delaware River waterfront. Bring your radio tuned to KYW 1060 for the synchronized musical soundtrack.
Fireworks will again delight the crowds on Sunday night at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and 1060 AM will have the soundtrack for that, too.
But before the big event on July 4th, head to the historic district at 10am for the Celebration of Freedom and the Philadelphia Independence Day Parade along Independence Mall.
At 1:30pm on Sunday, descendants of the signers of the Declaration of Independence will ceremonially "tap" the Liberty Bell.
Along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the Party on the Parkway kicks off at noon with three music stages and free activities for all ages. The finale concert, at 8pm and before the final fireworks display, features Green River Ordinance, The Roots, and headliners the Goo Goo Dolls.
For more details, go to www.americasbirthday.com.
