Welcome America! July 4, 2009

Summertime means family fun in Philadelphia with the annual Sunoco Welcome America! festival. This year, visitors to the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection will be treated to two consecutive weekends of free, family-friendly activities to ring in our nation’s July 4th birthday in grand style. Brilliant fireworks displays, delicious dishes, cultural events and the largest free concert in America guarantee days and nights of excitement and discovery.

The party starts the weekend of June 26-28 with the culinary delights of the Taste of Philadelphia on the Penn’s Landing waterfront, set to the accompaniment of live entertainment from top-notch talent and a dazzling display of fireworks over the Delaware River.

The fun revs back up July 2-5 when Philadelphia hosts millions of residents and visitors for a celebration of the nation’s birthday. The morning of July 4 begins with traditional ceremonies on historic Independence Mall, followed by a parade through storied Historic Philadelphia (new route!) with bands, flags and pageantry reminiscent of an old-fashioned Main Street, USA parade. In the afternoon, the “Party on the Parkway” will feature activities, games, food and entertainment for the whole family, set against the dramatic background of museums, attractions, architecture and flags of the world.

When the sun goes down on July 4, Philadelphia will host the biggest, most spectacular, free outdoor concert in America as chart-topping hitmakers take to the stage. The music and fun will be followed by an amazing fireworks grand finale set against the dramatic Art Museum.

Official Website: http://www.americasbirthday.com/