A Woman’s View: Fourth of July edition

Happy Birthday, America!  As the city of Independence and brotherly love, Philadelphia is preparing for another spectacular celebration.  Despite the financial crisis, Philadelphia won’t be skimping on its budget for welcoming another festive July 4th.  Whether you are choosing to have a block party, picnic or venture to Penn’s Landing for the remarkable fireworks display, this year is sure to hold some memorable events for all ages and styles.

If you are a boat lover, the Spirit of Philadelphia is offering Independence Day cruises for lunch or dinner.  The cruise offers a buffet, live entertainment and spectacular views of Philadelphia.  If you prefer the old classics, come and join Mayor Nutter at Independence Hall for a ceremony and parade to honor America’s 233rd Birthday.  The parade will offer an assortment of fire departments, military matches, floats, cars, marching bands and more.  The party on the Parkway will begin at noon, for an all day extravaganza of games, food and entertainment that the whole family can enjoy.  These are just a few of the exciting events that will be occurring in Philadelphia on the 4th.

Unfortunately, the annual parade and fireworks display in Lawncrest will not take place this year due to funding problems, but there are a ton of other fireworks displays in the area and lots more to do around Philadelphia. But if you’re still looking to celebrate closer to home, consider some other conventional summer party ideas.

A favorite NEast classic Fourth of July celebration are block parties.  This is a great day to bring out the grill, mingle with your neighbors and celebrate freedom.

“Every year our block in Frankford closes down the street and we just party all day and night,” Tahsha said.  “It is my favorite holiday of the year because all the neighbors come out with their kids and grills and it is just brotherly love all around. I think it is one of the most peaceful times, because people really come together for the country.”

July 4th is a wonderful holiday for all Americans to come together and celebrate their independence as well as joyous celebrations honoring those who have died for our country.  It is a great time of year to appreciate any and all veterans or service men and women you may know.  These are the courageous people that have defended our honored country throughout the years, and they deserve recognition.

“My cousin is overseas in the military and we will miss him this year,” Rarya said. ” We always celebrate the 4th by having a BBQ in front of our house in Oxford Circle and it won’t be the same without him.”

I wish to extend a special thank you to these honored men and women of the military for their dedication and service.I wish to extend a special thank you to these honored men and women of the military for their dedication and service.

From all of us here at NEastPhilly.com, have a happy and safe Fourth of July!

A Woman’s View is a column about women’s issues written by Donna Ward. The column appears every other Thursday on NEastPhilly.com. See others here. Read other NEastPhilly columns here.