Press Release from the City:
City and Wawa Welcome America!
officials announce plans for Wawa Welcome America! festival on July 4th

Details on event activities,
transportation, parking, security and more.  

PHILADELPHIA, (July 2, 2014)
– Philadelphia is rolling out the red-white-and-blue carpet to residents
and visitors at the ongoing Wawa Welcome America! festival, as it approaches
its grand finale on July 4th. From an old-fashioned summer block party
– Philly-style – to the nation’s largest and hippest free concert, the
2014 schedule is featuring free, family-friendly events in the greatest
place anywhere to celebrate America’s birthday.

 “As the birthplace of our great
nation, Philadelphia is the perfect setting to celebrate America’s 238th
birthday,” said Mayor Michael A. Nutter.”Wawa Welcome America!
will shine a spotlight on our city, from the patriotic pageantry of the
nation’s most historic square mile along Independence Mall to the iconic
Benjamin Franklin Parkway later that day for the Party on the Parkway.
And that’s where our hometown favorites, The Roots, will host the nation’s
best locally-produced birthday celebration that night, show-casing once
again why Philadelphia owns the Fourth!”

Today, City and Wawa Welcome America!
officials released operational details for the citywide festival:

Festival Activities

The 2014 Wawa Welcome America! showcases
Philadelphia’s culture, heritage and hospitality including the largest
free concert in America hosted by Philly’s The Roots (with a star-studded
lineup of Nicki Minaj, Ed Sheeran, Jennifer Hudson, Aloe Blacc, Ariana
Grande and Vicci Martinez), the nation’s most diverse Independence Day
Parade, free outdoor movies, a ‘Party on the Parkway,’ and  a fabulous
fireworks finale.

For a complete event schedule, visit
www.welcomeamerica.com,
or “like us” on Facebook (www.facebook.com/wawawelcomeamerica),
and follow us during the festival on Twitter and Instagram (@July4thPhilly).

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Road Closures

Many areas and streets across the
city including Independence Mall and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway will
be impacted by Wawa Welcome America! activities. Expect delays. Motorists
are advised to use alternate routes, avoid areas near Wawa Welcome America!
activities, allow for extra driving time and proceed with caution on July
4th. Due to increased activity and security in both the Parkway
area and historic district, parking and traffic regulations will be strictly
enforced. The following are the scheduled road closures:

Wednesday, July 2

        Few
street closures are planned for Philly at the Movies at the Philadelphia
Museum of Art steps, 25th St. and the Parkway; however,
traffic around Eakins Oval could be heavy at times.

         Closed
is the curb lane at the Philadelphia Museum of Art apron, beginning at
3 p.m.  and reopening after midnight.

        In
preparation for POPS! On Independence, Independence Hall/ historic district,
5th and Chestnut streets. (taking place July 3), closures
include the left-hand turn lane on 6th Street at Chestnut and
Chestnut Street, between 5th and 6th streets, from
9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and then later from 7 p.m. to after midnight.  

Thursday, July 3

        In
the historic district, Chestnut Street, between 5th and 6th
streets, will be closed to vehicular traffic, from 9:30 a.m. to Friday,
July 4th at 5 p.m.

        The
Parkway will be open to vehicular traffic during morning and evening rush
hours, but closed in between for construction related to the concert.

        The
entire Parkway will be closed following evening rush hour for activities
connected to concert construction.

Friday, July 4

        For
the Party on the Parkway, along Benjamin Franklin Parkway and “Philly
4th of July Jam,” Closures are in effect around the Parkway, from
Arch Street to Pennsylvania Avenue and 18th to 25th
streets, from 5 a.m. to around 5 a.m. on Saturday (weather-permitting).

        In
the historic district, in preparation for the Celebration of Freedom
Ceremony and Independence Day Parade near Independence Hall, closed
are: 5th and 6th streets, from Market to Walnut,
beginning at 5 a.m.; Chestnut Street, between Front and 5th streets,
starting at 7 a.m.

        From
10:50 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the following roads are closed: Chestnut and Ranstead
streets, from 6th to 9th  Street; 9th
from Chestnut to Market; East Market, from 9th Street to Front
Street; 8th Street, from Arch to Walnut; from 7th
Street, from Walnut to Arch; 6th Street, from Arch to Chestnut
streets; 5th St. from Arch to Market streets; Front Street,
from Arch to Dock streets; 4th Street, from Arch to Walnut;
3rd Street, from Walnut to Arch; 2nd Street, from
Walnut to Arch; Strawberry Street, from Market to Chestnut streets; Bank
Street, from Market to Chestnut.

All streets affected by the closures
are scheduled to be reopened in the historic district by 5 p.m. on July
4th and in the Parkway vicinity by 6 a.m. on July 5th.

Public Transit

City officials urge the public to
either walk to the events or take SEPTA. Public transportation is an easy
way to get in and out of Center City. SEPTA will operate additional service
on July 4th to assist festival-goers. All SEPTA Regional Rail,
bus, trolley, Market-Frankford and Broad Street Line services will operate
on a Sunday schedule on July 4th, with additional late-night service to
accommodate concert-goers.

Here is information on SETPA services:

Market Frankford Line: Ten
additional trains will be added to provide service every 5 to 7 minutes,
beginning at 4:30 p.m. These service levels will remain in effect through
1:15 a.m. SEPTA’s Overnight subway service pilot program will be in effect
through the holiday weekend, with service operating every 20 minutes until
5 a.m. 15th Street Station provides easiest access to and from
the festivities on the Parkway.

Broad Street Line: Eight additional
trains will provide service every 5 to 7 minutes beginning at 4:28 pm.
These service levels will remain in effect through 1:15 a.m. Overnight
subway service will be in place throughout the holiday weekend with service
operating every 20 minutes until 5 a.m. Spring Garden, Race-Vine and City
Hall Stations provide easy walking access to the Parkway.

Regional Rail: SEPTA will extend
Regional Rail service for customers leaving Center City after the fireworks
display on the Parkway. A total of seventeen trains will depart from Suburban
Station between 11:30 p.m. and 12:45 a.m. Trains will make all local stops.
Special schedules are accessible online at www.septa.org/events/holiday.html

Trolley: Additional trips will
be added on Routes 10, 11, 13, 34, and 36 following the fireworks display,
as needed.

Buses:  Riders should be
on alert regarding detours that will be in place for road closures due
to the festivities on the Parkway and Center City area. Specific detours
for routes 5, 7, 9, 17, 21, 33, 38, 42, 43, 44, 47, 48, 57 and 61 have
been posted online, with some beginning on Wednesday, July 3. More service-detour
information is available on the “Service Status” section of www.septa.org

Passengers are encouraged to purchase
fares in advance. Complete service information is available on SEPTA’s
website and from its Customer Service, at 215-580-7800, or on social media
@septa_social.

For information on NJTransit routes
and schedules on July 4, visit www.njtransit.org

PHLASH Trolley
(I love the Phlash Trolley)
PHLASH trolley transportation is an
inexpensive, convenient way to visit attractions in Center City ($2 per
ride; $5 all-day). The PHLASH service will operate on July 4th. For holiday
route detours and schedules, contact the Independence Visitor Center, 800-537-7676
or visit  PhillyPHLASH.com

 Parking
Information

For-pay parking lots and garages conveniently
are located on or near the Parkway. Call individual facilities ahead for
parking options, prices and availability, or visit the
Philadelphia Parking Authority
website at http://philapark.org/.
                     
             

Venue Rules and Public Safety
 Information

The vicinity of the Parkway and concert
(a boundary from at least 20th & the Parkway to the Art
Museum, and adjacent areas), will be firmly secured and protected for maximum
public safety. Throughout July 4th, the city will provide a
strong presence of law enforcement and emergency medical services. The
City and Welcome America! will utilize a network of local, state and federal
prevention and response services, which will be integrated, mobile and
in constant communication.

The public can do their part by using
common sense. If you are attending the July 4th activities,
make a plan regarding driving, public transit, parking, supervision of
children and wearing comfortable attire.

To ensure a fun and safe festival
experience, City officials are urging the pubic to refrain from bringing
alcohol, coolers, open containers or cooking equipment. Barbecuing on the
Parkway, contraband and illegal substances (firearms or fireworks) are
absolutely prohibited.

Spectators are strongly discouraged
from carrying bags, backpacks, or satchels of any kind. However, if you
do so, please ensure that you bring clear bags and clear containers.

Leave no bags or items unattended.

In emergencies or to report a suspicious
person, activity or item (a backpack, a package, a container), notify a
police officer immediately or call 9-1-1,  Do not try to open, move,
cover or touch a suspicious item.

Take missing or lost persons, including
children, to the American Red Cross Family Reunification Tent at
22nd Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Lost and Found items can be taken
to various Information Tents along the Parkway.

 “Location markers,” will
be posted to clearly and easily identify a location or section (by letter
and number: K-1), to facilitate communicating in the event of an emergency.

Information booths on the Parkway
and an EMS First Aid station (with misting tents for heat-exhaustion
cases) are located on the south side of 22nd Street and the
Parkway.  

Weather

o        Emergency
Weather and Alerts:

In the case of severe weather, listen
for announcements and sign up ahead of time to receive emergency texts
or e-mail alerts at www.readynotifypa.org.
Plan for a safe informed holiday.  

o        Heat-related
precautions Information:

With potential high temperatures,
there is a risk of heat-related health issues. EMS personnel will be on
duty all day at an accessible First Aid Station and will be on patrol to
monitor activities. Many heat stress or heat exhaustion issues can be avoided
by taking simple precautions.

        Follow
all proper precautions to protect yourselves and your families against
the heat elements.

        All
festival-goers should stay hydrated by drinking lots of water; avoid non-alcoholic
liquids, caffeine and excessive layers of clothing.

        Consider
the Three L’s Rule: light-colored, lightweight and loose-fitting. Wear
garments made of natural fibers like cotton.

For more tips to beat the heat,
visit www.welcomeamerica.com


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Cultural and Historical Institutions
 

On Independence Square, Independence
Hall, Congress Hall, West Wing and Old City Hall are closed for the morning
of July 4 and will re-open at noon that day.

The July 4th schedules
for the cultural institutions in the Parkway area vary. Some museums will
maintain normal Friday hours, while others are closed.  For more
information, please refer to parkwaymuseumsdistrict.org.

 Trash
Removal

All streets will be cleaned after
each event and trash containers emptied during and after Wawa Welcome America!
festivities.

Social Media

You also can stay connected and will
find festival information on our social media accounts: Like us on Facebook
(www.facebook.com/wawawelcomeamerica)
and follow us on Twitter and Instagram (@July4thPhilly).