PHILADELPHIA’S JULY 4TH CELEBRATION 2009 PARADE & FIREWORKS
A COMPREHENSIVE LIST FROM UWISHUNU: http://www.uwishunu.com/category/4th-of-july/
ALSO PARKING ON JULY 4TH. I SUGGEST YOU PARK IN CENTER CITY AT ONE OF THE GARAGES AND WALK TO THE PARKWAY: To find parking in Philadelphia ck out this site: http://bit.ly/KDEwa
http://www.phillychitchat.com/2009/06/july-4th-events-in-philadelphia.html
Sheryl Crow to Rock Philadelphia on July 4 http://tinyurl.com/d9w3uo
OR CONTINUE ON TO LOOK AT PHOTOS I TOOK OF LAST YEARS PARADE AND EVENTS.
I have been getting a lot of hits on this subject lately, some even from as far away as San Francisco so maybe folks are thinking of visiting the Birthplace of America for the July Fourth celebration which is very exciting. I found the press release with all the details. In a nutshell it looks like Philly is going to have an abbreviated celebration. Instead of 10 days of celebration the festivities will be held on two consecutive weekends, which is just fine and less exhausting. 
We’re still have the Ceremony at Independence Hall, a parade, concerts, festival on the Parkway and two nights of fireworks, what more do we really need because we already have so many attractions to offer like Independence Park, the Zoo, and all the wonderful museums. 
Free Concerts, A New Parade And Two Weekends Of Fireworks Add Up To Affordable Fourth Of July Family Fun In Philadelphia Sunoco Welcome America! Celebrates America’s Birthday In America’s Birthplace
Two weekends of patriotic summer fun add up to one big party when Philadelphia welcomes residents and visitors for the 17th annual Sunoco Welcome America! festival, celebrating the nation’s birthday in its birthplace. For two weekends, June 26-28 and July 2-4, participants will be treated to fantastic fireworks displays, concerts by big-name performers and lots of free, all-ages activities. And with dozens of affordable hotel packages available on gophila.com, the whole family can enjoy every minute of the festivities.
June 26-28, 2009:
The party starts with the culinary delights of A Taste of Philadelphia. Food lovers can spend three days on the waterfront at Penn’s Landing enjoying all-day entertainment and sampling signature dishes from more than two dozen of the city’s most popular restaurants.
Philadelphia City Hall Tours M-F at 12:30PM from Rm 121. Plus see the City from the 40th Observation Floor every 15 minutes, but pick up your timed tickets from Rm 121, as it’s first come first served and they go quickly. (Small fee)
At nightfall on June 27, top-notch talent takes to the stage for a free concert followed by a dazzling fireworks display over the Delaware River. – Philadelphia Zoo in Fairmount Park
July 2-4, 2009:
The double-dose of fun revs back up the next weekend with a day-long party, flag parades and the huge—and free—outdoor concert with brilliant fireworks above the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The festival hits a high note on Thursday, July 2 when Rhythms on Rittenhouse presents some of the city’s best opera, jazz and pop artists in picturesque Rittenhouse Square. (Old Fashion Parade in Old City)
Boat House Row at night in Fairmount Park
Fairmount Park
The all-important Fourth of July begins with traditional ceremonies on historic Independence Mall in the morning, followed by an all-new parade through Historic Philadelphia. Reminiscent of an old-fashioned Main Street, USA parade, the march features bands, flags and pageantry. In the afternoon, the action moves to the cultural heart of the city—the Benjamin Franklin Parkway—for Party on the Parkway, complete with games, food and live performances.
As always, the Sunoco Welcome America! festival literally ends with a bang. When the sun goes down on July 4, hit-makers take to the stage outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art for a free concert under the stars followed by an amazing fireworks grand finale, made even more dramatic by the majestic museum backdrop.
For more information and to book an affordable overnight hotel package, visit gophila.com or americasbirthday.com. Sunoco Welcome America! is a multi-day festival that celebrates America’s birthday in America’s birthplace and is produced by Welcome America, Inc. The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) makes Philadelphia and The Countryside® 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.
Fireworks at the Art Museum Saturday July 4th 2009
You\’ve done an outstanding job with great, descriptive copy about the Sunoco Welcome America! festivities. The City – and the other organizations who are involved – owe you a great big thank you!!
I grew up on 25th street. We could just walk down the street to see the fireworks and concerts. I remember going to the super sunday events. I can\’t wait to go to some of these things. I need to get my but into town. Thanks for all the info. Pat K.
Any idea when the fireworks on the Delaware River are scheduled this year?
The fireworks for Penns Landing are being held on Saturday 6/28/09.
Why the shortened celebration? Economic downturn hit the city of brotherly love too?
I am really disappointed but I understand,its hard for everyone now a days I guess even for the city. I am from Philly, now living in the south and look forward each year to come home to all the festivities that goes on around July 4th and sometimes afterward. Salsa on the Parkway, a full week of fun concert and activities at Penns Landing and around the city. I don\’t ever remembering not having two or three options as to where to go each evening around the two weeks leading to July 4th, but just a weekend of activities at Penns Landing and on the Park, never thought i would see the day. I think this year I will stay in the south and see how they do thinks down here.
looking forward to spending my vacation in Philly for the Fourth. I love the museums, the historic sites, the people. Who needs a parade when the birthplace of the nation is in Philly. I sound like a commerical. I go every year to visit my aunt and we have fun.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for all your links. I was able to plan my trip to Philly. The whole McKenna clan is here and we are using your site as our source.
Patty McKenna