Thousands celebrate America’s 242nd birthday on the Parkway
The day was capped off with a concert headlined by the Cuban American rapper Pitbull, who performed a 75-minute show.
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The Fourth of July fireworks display brings Welcome America week to a close. (Jonathan Wilson for WHYY)
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Philadelphia indie folk band Stella Ruze performs on the Groove Stage on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. (Jonathan Wilson for WHYY)
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Shanda Isabelle, center, from West Virginia, and Natasha Silver, right, from Phoenixville get their groove on listening to Max Swan perform on the Chill Moody Stage. (Jonathan Wilson for WHYY)
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Max Swan, left, performs with his band on the Chill Moody Stage. (Jonathan Wilson for WHYY)
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At Logan Circle, Eric Li takes his turn at bungee jumping at the Party on the Parkway. (Jonathan Wilson for WHYY)
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Crowds endured temperatures in the mid-nineties to listen to bands perform at the Party on the Parkway. (Jonathan Wilson for WHYY)
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A crowd gathers to watch Max Swan perform with his band. (Jonathan Wilson for WHYY)
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Australian Emily Perry performs on the Groove Stage. (Jonathan Wilson for WHYY)
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Welcome America participants cope with the heat in the shade of Von Colln Athletic Field. Jonathan Wilson for WHYY)
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The Fourth of July fireworks display brings Welcome America week to a close. (Jonathan Wilson for WHYY)
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Fireworks rise above the Philadelphia Museum of Art seen from Von Colln Athletic Field. (Jonathan Wilson for WHYY)
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Spectators watch fireworks from Von Colln Athletic Field. (Jonathan Wilson for WHYY)
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Second Alarmer Darian Thomas handed out water drenched towels to police and other first responders.(Jonathan Wilson for WHYY)
Thousands converged on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Independence Day, to celebrate America’s 242 birthday.
Festivities began at noon and lasted until 10 p.m. featuring musical performances, kids’ games and entertainment, an assortment of food trucks, and of course the annual Welcome America concert followed by fireworks.
The day was capped off with a concert headlined by the Cuban American rapper Pitbull, who performed a 75-minute show. Other performers included the Philly Pops Band, Philly DJ Diamond Kuts, and Broadway star Heather Headley.
The crowd was the smallest in the last six years according to Deputy Fire Commissioner Gary Loesch, who surmised the temperatures in the mid-nineties was a possible cause.
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