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.

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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