Happy Fall! Okay, I know it’s not officially fall yet, but in my world, the Fall Social Season has arrived. Tonight marks the first of two events kicking off my busy season: Global Philadelphia and the Bourbon Bash. From here, the calendar fills up quickly, and Philadelphia’s galas, openings, fundraisers and celebrations are back in full swing.
Today’s blog post is a wrap-up of summer before I dive headfirst into the Fall Social Season. And what a summer it was. It really lived up to everything I had hoped for, especially because I got to work alongside one of my best friends’ while experiencing so much of what was happening around Philadelphia.
When I was a kid, I experienced the Bicentennial, and I loved all the ceremony, excitement and pomp surrounding it. So when I realized I was going to live through America’s 250th anniversary, I made a promise to myself: I wanted to know everything I possibly could about what was happening and be involved in as much of it as possible.
I couldn’t have worked alongside a better person than Michael Newmuis, Philadelphia’s Director of 2026, who did an exceptional job helping to navigate the countless moving parts surrounding this historic year.
Over the past two years since he was appointed by Mayor Cherelle L Parker in March 2024, I had a front-row seat as Michael worked with city leaders, civic organizations and partners across Philadelphia to bring it all together.
He also made sure I understood what was happening, what was coming next and why it mattered, which allowed me to chronicle so much of this once-in-a-lifetime moment.
His enthusiasm for Philadelphia was infectious, and experiencing so much of this summer alongside him made it even more special.
More than anything, I want to say thank you to Michael, you knew how much this moment in Philadelphia’s history meant to me, and you never hesitated to answer a question, explain what was happening or make sure I knew about something I shouldn’t miss.
Bells Across Pennsylvania, spearheaded by America250PA Executive Director Cassandra Coleman, was a favorite project to see unfold, from the cold warehouse where Mural Arts artists created the canvas that reflected their neighborhoods, to the unveiling in the neighborhoods. That was special.
We covered a lot of ground over the past two years: we visited many of the sites before the bells were installed, scouting the surroundings, neighborhood corridors, went to a lot of neighborhood festivals, talked to people to see what they needed for the City to make 2026 successful for them, and press conference sites. Much of what we experienced never made it onto our pages,
but seeing all the behind-the-scenes planning gave me an even greater appreciation for everything that went into bringing Philadelphia’s 2026 celebration to life.
The Tioga Block Party in August was another special moment. The community was so grateful for the City’s support, and everywhere we went, people wanted to stop and talk with Michael and express their appreciation. It was a wonderful reminder that Philadelphia 2026 has been about neighborhoods and communities across the city, too.
And by the way, Philadelphia 2026 didn’t end on July 4. The celebration continues through December, with plenty more still to come. Make sure you download the app and see what’s happening next. APP.
Just one final note of gratitude to Michael Newmuis. After spending so many years documenting Philadelphia, getting to experience the past two years, and especially this extraordinary summer, alongside a friend who cared just as deeply about the city made it even more meaningful. Thank you, Michael, for letting me come along for the ride and for helping make this chapter of Philadelphia history one I’ll never forget.
So, Michael, what are you doing next, and do you need an assistant? I think we’ve already proven we make a pretty good team.
xo HughE
