But before we get to that, on Thursday as part of the http://www.americasbirthday.com/ celebration the Ben Franklin Parkway played host once again to a “Fiesta on the Parkway”
I was there about 3PM when the event began as my Firm closed early for the July 4th Holiday )Thanks Joe), 
but I could see that in a few hours kids of all ages would enjoy lots of things to do and
eat
do
listen and dance 
but as I made my way down the Parkway I saw something new this year
it was NBA on the Parkway?? It is a new day, where did that come from, was it on the schedule? I’ll look… “What’s more, the NBA Nation Presented by SPRITE tour bus will roll into Philly with interactive games, videos of the 50 greatest NBA plays and other hands-on activities. ” Yep there it was, as part of the Fiesta on the Parkway. Guess they weren’t going for any world record line dances this year, but these kids were breakdancing, do they still call it that?
but I was entertain by this. Lots of in the air dunks.
There was also an exhibit where you could compare your arm length to a few NBA players
but I could see that in a few hours kids of all ages would enjoy lots of things to do andeatdolisten and dance but as I made my way down the Parkway I saw something new this year it was NBA on the Parkway?? It is a new day, where did that come from, was it on the schedule? I’ll look… “What’s more, the NBA Nation Presented by SPRITE tour bus will roll into Philly with interactive games, videos of the 50 greatest NBA plays and other hands-on activities. ” Yep there it was, as part of the Fiesta on the Parkway. Guess they weren’t going for any world record line dances this year, but these kids were breakdancing, do they still call it that?
but I was entertain by this. Lots of in the air dunks.
There was also an exhibit where you could compare your arm length to a few NBA players
or put your feet in their foot prints. Beverly was kind enough to try out Kobe Bryant’s SIZE 14 for me.
Then I made my way over to the stage on the Art Museum steps where the staging area was just about complete.
it seemed like only yesterday, er Tuesday when that they started putting it together. If you want to catch John Legend rehearsing for the big concert tonight, stop by about NOON, that’s when they usually run through the event.
Breaking News: Here’s the new 2008, new administration logo on which the parade participants will stop and perform tonight. Gosh I hope it doesn’t rain again this year.
Promising to avoid a repeat of last year’s fireworks fiasco, City Representative Melanie Johnson said Philadelphia’s holiday display will go off rain or shine tomorrow night – on time, or with plenty of notice if there will be a delay.
The fireworks are set to begin at 11 over the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Last year, with the threat of rain and lightning, those gathered on the Parkway waiting for the display were told to go home because the 10:45 p.m. show was canceled. About 40 minutes later, after the crowd dispersed, the fireworks began.
This year, the fireworks are set to begin after the R&B singer John Legend ends his set and leaves the stage.
But once again, the forecast threatens showers and thunderstorms, which could last throughout the weekend.
“Rain won’t stop us,” says Johnson. “The only thing that will delay the fireworks is if the weather is severe.”
And if that happens, Johnson promised to put the public announcement system to good use.
The Sunoco Sweet Sounds of Liberty Concert and Fireworks begins at 8:30 p.m. in front of the Art Museum with the sounds of Philly’s own Russell Tompkins Jr. and the New Stylistics, followed by Legend and ending in fireworks. (This will be my view again this year)
Then I made my way over to the stage on the Art Museum steps where the staging area was just about complete.
it seemed like only yesterday, er Tuesday when that they started putting it together. If you want to catch John Legend rehearsing for the big concert tonight, stop by about NOON, that’s when they usually run through the event.Breaking News: Here’s the new 2008, new administration logo on which the parade participants will stop and perform tonight. Gosh I hope it doesn’t rain again this year.
Promising to avoid a repeat of last year’s fireworks fiasco, City Representative Melanie Johnson said Philadelphia’s holiday display will go off rain or shine tomorrow night – on time, or with plenty of notice if there will be a delay.The fireworks are set to begin at 11 over the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Last year, with the threat of rain and lightning, those gathered on the Parkway waiting for the display were told to go home because the 10:45 p.m. show was canceled. About 40 minutes later, after the crowd dispersed, the fireworks began.
This year, the fireworks are set to begin after the R&B singer John Legend ends his set and leaves the stage.
But once again, the forecast threatens showers and thunderstorms, which could last throughout the weekend.
“Rain won’t stop us,” says Johnson. “The only thing that will delay the fireworks is if the weather is severe.”
And if that happens, Johnson promised to put the public announcement system to good use.
The Sunoco Sweet Sounds of Liberty Concert and Fireworks begins at 8:30 p.m. in front of the Art Museum with the sounds of Philly’s own Russell Tompkins Jr. and the New Stylistics, followed by Legend and ending in fireworks. (This will be my view again this year)
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20080703_Philadelphias_July_4_fireworks_rain_or_shine.html
As far as parking is concern, take mass transit, or park in Center City and walk to the BF Parkway. Even if you did find parking, leaving after the event is a nightmare. (Update re: Parking: http://www.phillyblog.com/philly/fairmount-art-museum-brewerytown/20217-traffic-parking-4th-fairmount-ave.html has a good rundown of years past and parking on July 4th)
Happy Fourth of July, be safe and Happy Anniversary to my blog – 1 Year Old today!! (Almost 100ks hits in a year, pretty darn good for a blog I didn’t promote enough; this year that will all change)
Here’s the Will Smith family now. Mom Jada Pinka-Smith (Looking hot) watches over Willow and son Jaden as the get “lit up”. (Interesting the daughter is named Willow (after day Will Smith), son named Jaden (after mom Jada Pinka-Smith) born July 8, 1998
Austin Macdonald: Born July,17,1995 greets his fans
The Smith Family again
Abigail, you know the little girl from “Little Miss Sunshine”, she also starred in Charlotte’s Web where coinkinky Julia Roberts was the spider, Charlotte. Connections, it’s all about who you know. Across the street you can see the fans who have lined up to see a glimpse of a few celebrities. If you want to see a good premiere coming up check out Mama Mia with Meryl Streep on 7/16 at the Ziegfeld in NYC.
” Farmer’s Walk – Competitors carry heavy objects weighing from 275-400 lbs in each hand for a set distance, and compete for the fastest time. A variation involves use of a heavy frame with parallel handles” In this instance this contraption weighed 800lbs. Gerard Benderoth
Gerard Benderoth, Philadelphia City Hall and the World Flags along Ben Franklin Parkway. The flags represent countries that are members of the United Nation.
Phil Pfister, who was the Met-Rx World’s Strongest Man in 2006.
a couple guards posted in the courtyard, note the one in the center leaning against a trash can that I know isn’t usually located on the Center Square
and lo and behold equipment
so on Thursday, don’t even think about using these tunnels for a short cut as they will be closed for the filming of Transformers 2
Enjoy yourself if you go, as I will be in NYC Thursday til Sunday shooting Julia Roberts, Jill Scott, Rhianna, Kelly Ripa, Abigail Breslin, Lorretta Lynn, John Legend and maybe a few more peeps that are on my wish list. But don’t fret Philly Chit Chat will be published Thursday & Friday as I have a long list of things to report on; god knows I am behind.
The Gorgeous runway show will featured fresh fashion, hair and makeup from the hottest local boutiques, designers, salons and makeup artists, including Eleganza presenting Versace and Roberto Cavalli, Dennis Basso, Nicole Miller, Joan Shepp, Matthew Izzo, Ettore, Pierre & Carlo, and many others. 
One of my favorite places to hang out was the hallway leading to the runway, it was here the models would wait for their cue to sashy down the runway
sometimes there were obstacles on the way to the runway as waiters used this hallway too
The runway, Jay Carrolls back, the man in the red would time the girls and then send them down the runway
Noel Zayas of NSquared Productions
the male lineup
struts their stuff
I guess the underwear showing is still in
Fierce
and The Philadelphia Film Society’s Tim Ferretti
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