Independence Day Parade

WAWA WELCOME AMERICA! PHILADELPHIA INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE
SET TO BREAK GUINNESS BOOK OF WORLD RECORDS

 11 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
5th and Chestnut Streets-Historic Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (May 6, 2010) – Can Philadelphia set the world record for the largest number of ‘high fives’ at a special event? Judges from the Guinness Book of World Records in England will find out on July 4th as thousands of parade-goers touch the hand of Marine Colonel John Folsam of Nebraska, founder of the Wounded Warriors Project. The goal is more than 6,000 high fives. The World Record attempt is just one highlight of the City’s largest-ever July 4th parade which features an array of entertaining, patriotic and multicultural marchers, music, dancers, and floats.

Miss America 2010, Caressa Cameron, America’s Got Talent’s own DC Cowboys Dance Troupe, and Walt Disney World vocalist Davonda Simmons are among the impressive list of celebrities in this glorious event which features over 3,500 participants from across the nation. Twenty-first century superstars and talented teachers and youth are not the only celebrities on the guest list. Historical figures Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and George Washington will ride the 1776 float, and Betsy Ross will make her way up the parade route in a horse-drawn carriage. Set to make this year’s parade unforgettable is a “Salute to the Armed Forces” featuring a float for America’s finest and representatives from all five branches of the military. Active duty enlisted men and women and officers from the Marines, Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard will be joined by 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.

“The City of Philadelphia stands as a vibrant symbol of independence and freedom,” said Mayor Michael Nutter. “As participants and visitors line the streets through Historic Philadelphia, the area where our independence was created centuries ago, they are sure to have a memorable and unique experience.”

After marching the parade route, participants and visitors can continue their celebrations at any of the other fun and entertaining Wawa Welcome America! Festival’s events on July 4th.
 

We'd like to extend a SPECIAL Thank You to these area flower shops for donating amazing live floral displays in the Independence Day Parade!