Randy Giancaterino,

Randy.giancaterino@phila.gov

Lisa Simon, Simon PR

215-545-4715, x22

lsimon@simonpr.com

Wawa Welcome America! Wows Philadelphia

City Officials Report the “4^th of July Jam” hosted more than 500,000 on the Parkway.

Philadelphia, Pa. – July 5, 2011 – Wawa Welcome America! Festival, an Independence Day celebration hosted by the City of Philadelphia and title sponsor Wawa, Inc., wrapped up iconically on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway with the “4^th of July Jam” hosted by The Roots and a fireworks display over the Philadelphia Art Museum. More than 500,000 Philadelphians and visitors attended the concert on the Parkway. During the entire eleven days, the Festival drew more than one million celebrants to free activities and entertainment hosted for all ages throughout the city.

“Wawa Welcome America! is the United States’ premier Fourth of July celebration,” said Mayor Michael A. Nutter. “This year, Philadelphia hosted 11 days of events for Philadelphians and visitors of all ages culminating in an unforgettable concert by Philadelphia’s own The Roots and Boyz II Men. There is no better city to celebrate America’s independence.”

City Representative Melanie Johnson, who serves as the Festival’s Executive Director, added, “Once again we proved that Philadelphia is the place to be leading up to and on the 4^th of July. The fact that it’s free for all is truly to be commended.” City Representative Johnson saluted Mayor Nutter for his ongoing commitment to elevate Philadelphia, with its already thriving historic corridor, as the leading city to host a modern Fourth of July festival.

City Representative Johnson continued.  “We’re especially excited about this year’s additional music elements including our Jam finale curated by ?uestlove of Philadelphia rhythm and blues funk sensation, The Roots. This year’s concert was full of Philadelphia pride.”

Joining The Roots Monday night in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art at the 4^th of July Jam were special guests Earth, Wind & Fire, Michael McDonald, Estelle, Sara Bareilles, DJ Jazzy Jeff.  Surprising the enthusiastic crowd was the appearance of Boyz II Men halfway through the concert, who performed four songs while handing out long-stemmed red roses to members of the audience. Later, Eddie Levert made a surprise appearance during a tribute to Philadelphia’s iconic Gamble and Huff.

Party on the Parkway, the all day Benjamin Franklin Parkway extravaganza leading up to the “4^th of July Jam” added three entertainment stages this year: one stage for families, one stage featuring World music and one stage curated by ?uestlove highlighting professional musicians with Philadelphia roots.

There was additional programming hosted by the Festival throughout the week. Presenting sponsor Wawa hosted its signature Hoagie Day at Independence Mall serving a 4.5 ton hoagie to visitors, families and business persons.  The Go Forth & Learn Initiative, an educational story time for youth, returned with three programs for children, including one at The Franklin Institute on Saturday for working parents.

Peter Nero & the Philly Pops delighted all from the stage in front of Independence Mall, and Miss America attended the official City ceremony and Parade.

Wawa Welcome America! is a multi-day festival that celebrates America’s birthday in America’s birthplace, Philadelphia, and is produced by Welcome America, Inc. For more information, please visit www.welcomeamerica.com.

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6 pm – 9 pm

United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own”

The River Stage at the Great Plaza

Air National Guard Band of the Mid-Atlantic

Wiggins Waterfront Park in Camden

Two Cities One Waterfront Fireworks Display

Wawa Welcome America!’s daily schedule of events:

Philadelphia’s 11-day free July 4^th celebration, June 24 – July 4

The country’s largest, free July 4^th celebration features three fireworks displays, a full-scale parade,

Philly’s Fourth of July Jam and fun for the whole family.

(PHILADELPHIA) June 14, 2011 – What better place is there to celebrate the Fourth of July than in Philadelphia, the very city where our nation began? People of all ages are invited to experience Wawa Welcome America!, the City of Philadelphia’s free July 4^th Festival, from June 24 – July 4, 2011. With 11 patriotic days packed with free events, a full-scale parade, fireworks, history, live entertainment, food, culture and pageantry, there is fun for the whole family. All events are free, unless otherwise noted.

Friday, June 24, 2011

Taste of Philadelphia Featuring Gerald Veasley

Penn’s Landing

5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Wawa Welcome America! kicks-off on Friday, June 24 with one of its most popular events, Taste of Philadelphia, featuring an upbeat performance by acclaimed jazz musician and bassist Gerald Veasley. Philadelphia’s own Veasley will rock Penn’s Landing with contemporary jazz favorites, and the Philadelphia Freedom Jazz Orchestra will open the evening.

Taste of Philadelphia features three-days brimming with culinary favorites and all-star entertainment at Penn’s Landing. Entertainment and admission is free, “tastes” are just a few dollars! Throughout the weekend, taste delicious dishes from over 25 of Philadelphia’s top restaurants. New participants this year include Chenango, Tiffin, Stella Jeannes, Kuzina by Sophia, Feast Your Eyes, Marabella Meatball Company, Gigi Restaurant and Innovative Catering Concepts. Additional restaurants include Jamaican Jerk Hut, Keatings River Grill, Darlings Diner, Hard Rock Café, Auntie Anne’s Pretzels and Irish Ice.

This year’s Taste of Philadelphia is even bigger and better than ever before, as the Festival footprint is expanded two blocks over the Chestnut Street bridge to Front Street. This additional space makes room for even more food and entertainment, including several Food Trucks, a new addition to Taste. Philly’s famous Food Trucks, from La Marqueza, Insomnia and Dapper Dog to Call Me Cupcakes and Sweet Box, will set up shop along the bridge.

Also, a second stage for entertainment, in addition to the RiverStage, will be located on the corner of Chestnut and Front Streets. This Old City Stage will feature a DJ playing world music and cooking demonstrations by notable Philadelphia chefs from Cuba Libre, Sampan and Feast Your Eyes.

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Taste of Philadelphia Featuring Aaron Neville and Fireworks

Penn’s Landing

11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Culinary favorites continue as jazz and blues musicians rock the stage on Saturday, June 25. Another new twist this year is the enhancement of music, including jazz, blues, Latin jazz and gospel. Find a seat along the waterfront and enjoy powerful performances all day long by world-renowned and local musicians such as the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz, Odean Pope Saxophone Choir, Toy Soldier, Deb Callahan, Brass Heaven featuring Jeff Bradshaw and Venissa Santi with special guest Eva Cortes. At 3 p.m., check out the RiverStage stage and be the first to hear performances from the finalists of the Wawa Welcome America! Singer/Songwriter Competition.

At 8 p.m., singer and songwriter Somi will open the evening’s concert with her acoustic, culture-merging elegance. Then, the Taste of Philadelphia headliner Aaron Neville returns to Philadelphia with his popular hits. The legendary R&B artist will wow the crowd with his talented music. Following the concert, a spectacular fireworks display will light up the sky over the Delaware River, the first of three brilliant fireworks shows during Wawa Welcome America!.

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Taste of Philadelphia Featuring James “JJ” Hairston and Youthful Praise

Penn’s Landing

11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Come back for thirds as Taste of Philadelphia dishes out more savory flavors Philadelphia is known for, and enjoy the sounds of distinguished musicians and the sights of historic Philadelphia. Local gospel choirs, jazz musicians and blues bands will perform on Sunday, June 26 including Frank Bey and the Swing City Blues Band, Delton Walker, the Sounds of Life Choir and Zak Williams and One Akord.  Ending on a high note, James “JJ” Hairston and Youthful Praise, the inspired pen and iconic sound that introduced such gospel hits as “Awesome God” and “Incredible God, Incredible Praise,” will headline the concert at 6 p.m. on the RiverStage.

Monday, June 27, 2011

Go 4^th & Learn about History

Franklin Square

10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Storytelling

10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Wawa Interactive Dairy and History Area

Wawa Welcome America!’s Go 4^th & Learn is a special series of three free, educational programs for young children and their parents.  The program begins on Monday, June 27 in Franklin Square for Learn About History!, an outdoor event hosted by XPN Radio Hos Kathy O’Connell with readings by Mayor Michael Nutter, Wawa CEO Howard Stoeckel, 6-ABC’s Pamela Edwards and another special guest. There will also be a variety of activities as children learn about dairy history including lessons in cow milking, photos with a milkmaid, make-and-take arts and crafts, face-painting and more. *Be one of the first 200 participating children to receive a book, Cow.

Philly @ the Movies – “Best in Show”

Piazza at Schmidt’s

9 p.m.

Visitors and residents can enjoy free screenings of family-friendly cinematic classics on the big screen in Philadelphia’s most legendary locations as part of the Philly @ the Movies series. And this year, there are even more movies – with a total of six! On June 29, bring your furry friend on a date to the Piazza at Schmidts and enjoy a special screening of “Best in Show.” The whole family is invited – even the family dog! Pets are welcome, as long as they are on a leash.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Go 4^th & Learn about Performance Art

The Dell Music Center

10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Go 4^th & Learn continues with literacy and learning through fun, interactive events at The Dell Music Center on June 28. First, Zoom Camp will feature action adventure storytelling, and then AMLA presents Latin Rhythms & Roots will teach the roots of Afro Brazilian music. Also, Cache Ivey Dance Ensemble will demonstrate African Dance. *Be one of the first 200 participating children to receive a book, Join Hands.

Philly @ the Movies- Transformers: Dark of the Moon

Pearl Theatre

7 p.m.

Be one of the first people to watch as Shia LaBeouf returns as Sam Witwicky in Transformers: Dark of the Moon. When a mysterious event from Earth’s past erupts into the present day it threatens to bring a war to Earth so big that the Transformers alone will not be able to save us. Tickets are not for sale for this event. In theatres July 1. www.TransformersMovie.com Read The Philadelphia Inquirer and Listen to Radio 104.5 the week of 6/20 for your chance to win tickets to the advance screening.

Philly @ the Movies – “Fame”

The Dell Music Center

9 p.m.

Once the sun goes down, the big screen goes up and the curtain is pulled back for entertainment under the stars. Enjoy the 2009 remake of the 1980’s classic performing arts flick “Fame” at The Dell Music Center.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Wawa Hoagie Day

Independence Visitor Center Lawn at Independence National Historical Park

12 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Wawa Hoagie Day is back, but with a patriotic twist! Mayor Nutter is joining Philadelphia police officers and firefighters, members of the USO, members of the Pennsylvania National Army Guard and Pennsylvania Nation Air Guard, Wawa associates and hoagie-lovers across Philadelphia for the most patriotic and packed-full Hoagie Day to date!  The highlight of the event will be a 4 ½ ton Hoagie, which will be built in the morning and served at the afternoon celebration.  Wawa is calling it a 4 ½ ton hoagie salute to our troops because this year Hoagie Day will focus on honoring our soldiers and hometown heroes.

The event will also feature a letter writing station, inviting guests to write a letter to our troops to be inserted into USO care packages that will be sent this summer and during the holiday season.  As always, Hoagie Day will feature a variety of hoagie-centric activities including a charitable hoagie building competition between Philadelphia police and firefighters and members of the Pennsylvania Armed Guard and the Pennsylvania Air Guard, a Hoagie Day feast, and a special Hoagie Day proclamation by Mayor Michael Nutter.

Philly @ the Movies – “Rocky” and Philly’s Largest Dance Line!

Philadelphia Museum of Art

Philly’s Largest Dance Line: 5:30 p.m.

Movie: 9 p.m.

The free film series continues! Grab your friends and family, head down to the famous steps where the Rocky legacy was born, and get fit and have fun. First, join 107.9 and Wawa Welcome America! in Philly’s largest dance line! Twist, cha cha, electric slide and more at 5:30 p.m. on the Art Museum steps. Then, watch “Rocky,” the timeless, Philadelphia favorite film.

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Independence Day Picnic & Military Change of Command

Independence Mall, 6^th and Market Streets

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

What better way to celebrate July 4^th than with a patriotic picnic? Wawa Welcome America! continues the celebration with an Independence Day Picnic and a special military change of command on June 30. Visitors are welcome to stop by, bring a picnic lunch, blanket and lawn chair and observe the Military Change of Command of Officers from the Army Mid-Atlantic Recruiting Battalion based in New Jersey. Nearly 300 soldiers will march in command, as a military band plays patriotic music. Food and cold drinks will be available for purchase. And, while you’re here, visit other uniquely Philadelphia attractions like the new President’s House, the National Museum of American Jewish History, the Independence Visitor Center and the National Constitution Center, all located in this remarkable historic area.

Photo Exhibit- Tuskegee Airman: Making Aviation History

Philadelphia International Airport (Terminal A-East)

10 a.m.

Whether heading into or out of town, celebrate the 70^th anniversary of the African American cadets who were inducted into military flight school at the Tuskegee Institute at the unveiling of the Tuskegee Airman Photo Exhibit. The exhibit includes an annual rotating display to showcase and pay tribute to cultural and historical aspects of Philadelphia. To Note: this event is for ticketed passengers only.

Philly @ the Movies – “The Devil Wears Prada”

Rittenhouse Square

9 p.m.

If fashion is your thing, then this movie is for you! Channel your inner fashionista and join us in Rittenhouse Square for a special screening of “The Devil Wears Prada.” Visitors can enjoy a picnic and a movie in one of Philadelphia’s most legendary locations.

Friday, July 1, 2011

Philly @ the Movies - “Hairspray” Sing-a-Long

Love Park

9 p.m.

Warm up your vocal chords, dust off your dancing shoes and rock out with Tracy and the gang on the Corny Collins Show during a sing-a-long screening of “Hairspray” on July 1 at Philadelphia’s Love Park.

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Go 4^th & Learn about Science

The Franklin Institute

11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Bring the little ones to this morning event to learn about the science of fireworks at the Franklin Institute, after all, fireworks are a big part of how we celebrate July 4^th! NOTE: Due to space restrictions, this ticketed event will be limited to the first 300 guests. The first 200 participating students will receive a free book, Night Wonders. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Chinatown Block Party

Chinatown

12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

The Festival returns to Chinatown to showcase Philadelphia’s vibrant Asian culture with a good old-fashioned Block Party. Experience a festive open-air market with a multitude of exciting entertainment, Asian cuisine, crafts and more. Miss America 2011 and Mayor Nutter will also make a special appearance to meet and greet visitors and residents.

Super Scooper All-You-Can-Eat Ice Cream Festival

Penn’s Landing

July 2: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Nothing beats ice cream on a hot summer day!  Make a $7 donation to the Joshua Kahan Fund and help find a cure for Pediatric Leukemia while enjoying all of the cold stuff you can eat.

Fireworks on the Delaware River

Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia, PA and Waterfront Park in Camden, NJ

6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

The second of three free fireworks shows ends the evening with a bang! On July 2^nd, the “Two Cities, One Waterfront” Concert features the United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” at the RiverStage at the Great Plaza at 7:30 p.m. and the Air National Guard Band of the Mid-Atlantic at 6:00 p.m. at the Wiggins Waterfront Park in Camden followed by free fireworks, choreographed to a patriotic soundtrack, over the Delaware River at 9:30 p.m. Miss America 2011 Teresa Scanlan will be making an appearance in both states, too!

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Super Scooper All-You-Can-Eat Ice Cream Festival

Penn’s Landing

July 3: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream!  Make a $7 donation to the Joshua Kahan Fund and help find a cure for Pediatric Leukemia while enjoying an endless supply of ice cream.

“POPS on Independence”

Independence Hall

8:00 p.m.

Peter Nero and the Philly Pops® return to celebrate America’s birthday with “POPS on Independence,” a free concert at Independence Hall. Come join the celebration and participate in one of Philadelphia’s most popular Fourth of July traditions. Note: Seating is first come, first served. Concert goers are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs.

Monday, July 4, 2011

Celebration of Freedom Ceremony

Steps of Independence Hall

6^th and Market Streets

10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Celebrate our nation’s 235^th birthday with a patriotic salute! Music, speeches and a reading of excerpts from the Declaration of Independence will pay tribute to the history of our nation. Also, Miss America 2011 will sing one of our country’s famous songs.

Philadelphia Independence Day Parade

Historic Philadelphia

11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Wawa Welcome America! takes the freedom celebration to the streets of Philadelphia during the annual Independence Day Parade. And this year, the route is longer than before! Due to the popularity of the Parade, the route is expanded two blocks. It marches through downtown Historic Philadelphia, stepping off at 11 am at 5^th and Chestnut Streets immediately following the July 4^th Independence Day Ceremony.  The procession heads up Chestnut Street, passing Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, turns right on 9^th Street, then proceeds one block north to Market Street where it turns right again. Once on Market Street the parade marches six blocks down though Historic Philadelphia and ends at Front Street

With more than 4,000 participants from a dozen states, 2011 Miss America Teresa Scanlan, 16 marching musical groups, nine floats, five military branches and a multitude of special performing teams, Wawa Welcome America!’s Independence Day Parade is the most diverse Fourth of July parade in the country and you don’t want to miss it! People of all ages will enjoy up close and personal an array of entertaining, patriotic and multicultural marchers, music, dancers, and floats as it winds through Philadelphia’s most historic square mile.

Super Scooper All-You-Can-Eat Ice Cream Festival

Penn’s Landing

July 4: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Don’t miss out on your last chance to make a $7 donation to the Joshua Kahan Fund and take advantage of all the free ice cream you can eat.

Happy Birthday America

Independence Visitor Center

12:30 p.m.

Join us as we celebrate America’s birthday and sample delectable treats from hometown favorite Tastykake.

Bell Tapping Ceremony

Liberty Bell Center, 500 Market Street

1:45 p.m.

The Liberty Bell rings out symbolically to commemorate Independence, sponsored by Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration and Sons of the American Revolution.

Party on the Parkway

Benjamin Franklin Parkway

20^th to Eakins Oval

12 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Bring your flags, patriotic spirit and plenty of energy to the day-long festival with blocks and blocks of exciting and educational activities, games, entertainment and food for the whole family! The highly anticipated Party on the Parkway offers three Music Stages: the ?uestlove Stage with Chin Chin, Nicos Gun, Res, Kindred and the Family Soul, and Donn T.; the Go 4^th & Learn Stage with hip hop break-dancers and pop vocalists for teens and tweens and the Global Music Stage with headliner Anthony Colon and AMLA Salsa Orchestra and performances by the Caribbean Steel Drum Band Alzonia & The Steel Source, the Nrithasree Indian Dance School and the Universal African Dance & Drum Ensemble.

The Party on the Parkway also features the MHP Liberty Strongman Classic; crowds can marvel at incredible feats of strength as “strong men” compete and haul concrete cylinders, pull trucks and lift thousands of pounds. In addition to entertainment and activities, food vendors will fill the Parkway offering delectable dishes from all corners of the globe to popular Philadelphia favorites. Find out why Philadelphia is the place to be on the 4th of July!

Philly’s Fourth of July Jam and Grand Finale Fireworks

Benjamin Franklin Parkway

20^th and Eakins Oval

7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Four-time Grammy award-winning band The Roots will headline Philly’s 4th of July Jam! The band and the Festival musical director ?uestlove will perform their set as well as sets with special guests Earth, Wind and Fire, Michael McDonald, Estelle, Sara Bareilles, DJ Jazzy Jeff and more! The concert will also include a special tribute to the 40^th Anniversary of Gamble and Huff’s iconic Philadelphia International Records, “The Sound of Philadelphia.”

The all-star cast of musicians will perform nearly every genre of music from R&B and hip hop to rock and funk for the largest free concert in America, followed by a spectacular fireworks show, with the Philadelphia Museum of Art as a dramatic backdrop. You don’t want to miss this concert, on the last and biggest night of Wawa Welcome America!

Additional Events in Philadelphia to Celebrate July 4^th

Discover the Real George Washington: New Views from Mount Vernon

National Constitution Center

July 1 – September 5

The “Father of Our Country” led us to victory in the American Revolution, chaired the Constitutional Convention, and served as our first president – all in the Philadelphia region. This summer, George Washington will return to Philadelphia in the new feature exhibition, Discover the Real George Washington: New Views from Mount Vernon at the National Constitution Center from July 1 through September 5, 2011.

Mount Vernon’s world-class collection provides a new and refreshing perspective on Washington, his achievements, legacies, family, intellectual pursuits, and entrepreneurial ventures. Full-scale figures of Washington, architectural models, decorative and fine art items, maps, manuscripts, and paintings reveal his personal side and uncover his roles as an entrepreneur, farmer, and businessman. Plus, families can save a pocketful of “Washingtons” during the Center’s first-ever Kids Free Summer promotion: free admission to the Center for up to four children (ages 12 and under) with one paying adult.

Beyond the Center’s exhibition, organizations all over the Philadelphia region are coming together to make the “Summer of Washington” a can’t-miss experience. For more information and tickets, visit www.constitutioncenter.org or call 215.409.6700.

Civil War Weekend

Historic Philadelphia

July 1- 4

At Historic Philadelphia, it’s a Civil War Weekend, July 1-4 and all summer long!  Meet President Lincoln and Civil War History Makers, join a military muster, and experience interactive exhibits in the massive free “Civil War Road Show” at Franklin Square, hear lesser-known stories about the Civil War on the Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches, see the flag Betsy Ross’s daughter sewed during the Civil War at the Betsy Ross House, and take a 3-D journey through the Emancipation Proclamation in Liberty 360 – just to name a few! Civil War Road Show – July 1-4, 11am-7pm at Franklin Square, 6^th & Race Streets

Rally ‘Round the Flag, a Civil War exhibit – All summer, 10am-5pm at the Betsy Ross House, 3^rd & Arch Streets

Liberty 360, a 3-D show starring Ben Franklin – All summer, 10am-7pm (until 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays) at the Historic Philadelphia Center, 6^th & Chestnut Streets

Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches – All summer, 11am-4pm throughout Historic Philadelphia

Flag Showcase

City Hall, Second Floor

June 27 – July 1 and July 4

There will be a presentation from the Philadelphia Flag Day Association called “The American Flag- A Work in Progress” featuring 20 flags in five large display cases. Come learn about our flag’s history!

Wawa Welcome America! is a multi-day festival that celebrates America’s birthday in America’s birthplace, Philadelphia, and is produced by Welcome America, Inc. For more information, please visit www.welcomeamerica.com.

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Wawa Welcome America! Debuts Singer/Songwriter Competition,

Giving One Lucky Artist or Band the Chance to Be a Star

Enter for a chance to win one 4-hour studio session with Grammy-award winning producers and songwriters Carvin and Ivan and the opportunity to perform on a Music Stage during the Party on the Parkway on July 4^th.

(PHILADELPHIA) June 14, 2011 – Do you have what it takes to be a star? Well, Wawa Welcome America!, Philadelphia’s free multi-day July 4^th Festival, is giving you a chance to shine with its new Singer/Songwriter Competition. The grand prize winner will have the opportunity to record a demo in a professional recording studio for four hours with Carvin and Ivan of Karma Productions, Philadelphia’s multi-platinum and Grammy-award winning production duo who have worked with some of the most recognizable names in music and entertainment.

Whether a beginner or a veteran, country or classic rock, all unsigned, non-represented singers and songwriters 18 years of age and older are encouraged to show us why you should be in the spotlight. Simply upload a 2-minute video of your original music via YouTube. Detailed instructions are below.

“Philadelphia is a homegrown music town, and we are extending this tradition with the Wawa Welcome America! Singer/Songwriter Competition,” said Melanie Johnson, city representative and executive director of Wawa Welcome America! “We are excited to give people this once in a lifetime opportunity to perhaps become another Philly favorite, like The Roots and Gerald Veasley, who are performing in the Festival.”

Geoff Gordon, President of Live Nation Mid-Atlantic; Carvin Haggins and Ivan Barias will serve as the judges. Grammy-award winning producers Carvin and Ivan have written and produced songs for Lil Wayne, Mary J. Blige, Musiq Soulchild, Keyshia Coles, Jill Scott, Jazmine Sullivan, Raheem Devaughn, Jaheim, Mario, Will Smith, Justin Timberlake, Tupac Shakur, Freeway, Ashanti and Faith Evans.  The powerhouse team has been nominated for 15 Grammy Awards over their careers, five of which are for the 2011 Grammys, and they have won a Grammy for their work with Lil Wayne. This year they are celebrating ten years together, during which they’ve had a Top 10 hit every year for the past decade. Carvin and Ivan have also started their own record label, Forever Music Inc., a trailblazing Philadelphia record label.

To Enter

All of the Wawa Welcome America Singer/Songwriter Competition submissions must be made through YouTube.com. Simply create (or choose an already existing) two minute original video of yourself (or your group) performing, upload the video to YouTube, and visit the www.welcomeamerica.com. On the website, fill out the form, and copy and paste the YouTube link in the “video link” box.

Please note: The video must be under two minutes in length, music must be original, and contestants must be unsigned, non-represented and 18 years of age or older. The studio session will take place in a professional recording studio, located within 100 miles of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Wawa Welcome America! is a multi-day festival that celebrates America’s birthday in America’s birthplace, Philadelphia, and is produced by Welcome America, Inc. For more information, please visit www.welcomeamerica.com.

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Wawa Welcome America!’s Independence Day Parade takes the celebration to the streets with 4,000 participants from a dozen states

The City of Philadelphia’s largest-ever Fourth of July Parade winds through the country’s most historic mile.

(PHILADELPHIA) June 14, 2011 – With more than 4,000 participants from a dozen states, 16 marching musical groups, nine floats, five military branches and a multitude of special guests, Wawa Welcome America!’s Independence Day Parade is the most diverse Fourth of July parade in the country. The impressive Parade kicks off at 11 a.m. on July 4 and winds through the nation’s most historic mile.

“This year, every other element has a musical aspect, so the Parade will be a strolling celebration brimming with top-notch entertainment and spectacular sights,” said Todd Marcocci, Parade producer. “Philadelphia’s Independence Day Parade will be bigger and better than ever before, and we are hoping thousands upon thousands will come out to experience the awe-inspiring production first-hand in the very place where our nation was founded.”

New this year is an extended Parade route to 9^th Street with optimal viewing, along with a variety of show-stopping musical performances on elaborate floats, from the Hoh Japanese Drummers to the Minas Brazilian Dancers and Drummers. Mattatuck Drum Band from Connecticut, founded in 1767 and the oldest fife and drum band in America, will proudly play the music of our founding fathers, and a cast of patriots include Abraham Lincoln, George Washington and Ben Franklin.

Set to make this year’s parade unforgettable is a “Salute to the Armed Forces” float with active duty enlisted soldiers and officers from the Marines, Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard and veterans by the hundreds. The salute will be led by the Pennsylvania Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycles, a group that pays homage to African American soldiers who fought as early as the Spanish American War.

Miss America 2011 Teresa Scanlan, Grand Marshal Major General Craig of the Pennsylvania National Guard, Mayor Nutter and Miss Pennsylvania are among the roster of special guests, and Wawa will recall its earliest days with its antique dairy truck. Additional highlights include the Northern Lights Home School Marching Band from Michigan and the Cotter High School Marching Band from Minnesota!

The array of entertaining, patriotic and multicultural marchers, music, dancers and floats will dazzle and impress all.

Parade Route

Due to the popularity of the Parade, the route is expanded by two blocks. It marches through downtown Historic Philadelphia, stepping off at 11 am at 5^th and Chestnut Streets immediately following the July 4^th Independence Day Ceremony.  The procession heads up Chestnut Street, passing Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, turns right on 9^th Street, then proceeds one block north to Market Street where it turns right again. Once on Market Street the parade marches six blocks downtown though Historic Philadelphia and ends at Front Street.

People of all ages are invited to experience Wawa Welcome America!, the City of Philadelphia’s free July 4^th Festival, from June 24 to July 4, 2011. With 11 days of free patriotic fun and pageantry including a full-scale parade, fireworks, history, live entertainment, the largest free outdoor concert in America, food, culture and pageantry, there is something for the whole family’s taste.

Wawa Welcome America! is a multi-day festival that celebrates America’s birthday in America’s birthplace, Philadelphia, and is produced by Welcome America, Inc. For more information, please visit www.welcomeamerica.com.

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8:00 p.m.

Peter Nero and the Philly Pops® return to celebrate America’s birthday with “POPS on Independence,” a free concert at Independence Hall. Come join the celebration and participate in one of Philadelphia’s most popular Fourth of July traditions. Note: Seating is first come, first served. Concert goers are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs.

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

This year, the route has expanded, winding through the nation’s most historic mile, featuring 3,500 patriotic and multicultural marchers, musicians, dancers and floats. All five U.S. military branches will be represented.

12 p.m. – 7 p.m.

The day-long festival features seven blocks of exciting and educational activities, games, entertainment and food for sale for the whole family! Philadelphia is the place to be on the 4th of July!

7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Four-time Grammy award-winning band The Roots will headline Philly’s 4th of July Jam! The band and the Festival musical director ?uestlove will perform their set as well as sets with special guests Earth, Wind and Fire, Michael McDonald, Estelle, Sara Bareilles, DJ Jazzy Jeff and more!

1:45 p.m.

The Liberty Bell rings out symbolically to commemorate Independence, sponsored by Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration and Sons of the American Revolution.