PHILADELPHIA FIREWORKS RAIN OR SHINE July 4th says City Representative Melanie Johnson
July 4, 2008
by HughE Dillon
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)
