July 4 Philadelphia Fireworks, Independence Parade and Festivities

The Sunoco Welcome America! festival just got bigger with
the announcement that Philadelphia’s own “World Famous Roots Crew” has been added to the
July 4th “Life, Liberty & You” concert and fireworks show, preceding pop sensation Sheryl Crow.
The Sunoco Welcome America! festival has hosted many talented Philadelphians, including Patti
Labelle, Hall & Oates and Boyz II Men. This year marks the first appearance of The Roots.
Fresh off their smash 2nd Annual Roots Picnic at Festival Pier on June 6th, The Roots return home
to the place where it all began. From their current day job as the house band on “Late Night with
Jimmy Fallon,” to logging studio time to perfect their upcoming album, “How I Got Over,” the
band is on a thrill ride that stops in Philly for one night only to add local flavor to the largest free
concert in America.
Nothing seems impossible for these home-grown musicians, who continually pay homage to the
devoted Philly fans and Okayplayer community that has stood by them over the years. Local fans
will next have a chance to catch The Roots at the Music Box at The Borgata Hotel and Casino,
where the band will kick off a live monthly residency on July 24th.
“This is a hard-working band and they are busier than ever, so we were extremely happy that The
Roots can make the time to pay tribute to their nation and city at this year’s Sunoco Welcome
America! festival,” said Mayor Michael Nutter. “It’s always a pleasure to present a hometown
favorite.”

SUNOCO WELCOME AMERICA! INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE MARCHES BACK TO ITS ROOTS
Sunoco Welcome America! festival organizers announced that immediately following the July 4th Independence Day Ceremony, where Mayor Michael
Nutter and other dignitaries honor America’s 233rd birthday, the annual Independence Day
Parade will march back to its roots through downtown Historic Philadelphia for the first time in
18 years.
The parade opens at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 4th at the corner of 5th and Chestnut Streets.
The procession heads up Chestnut Street, passing symbols of freedom such as Independence
Hall, home of the Declaration of Independence, and the Liberty Bell. The route turns right on 7th
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.
This year’s Independence Day parade features over 3,000 participants from across the nation.
Marching bands from Florida, United States Marines from New Jersey, and historical re-enactors
from as far away as Massachusetts and Illinois are set to make this year’s parade unforgettable.
Drill teams, bugle corps and, of course, Mummers, always get the crowds moving with their
peppy melodies and danceable beats. Modern and antique fire engines and police vehicles have
been enlisted to cruise down the parade route alongside classic cars.
Aside from classic Independence Day parade elements, the 2009 parade also includes a long list
of celebrities. Floats feature entertainers like Radio Disney recording artist Joey Page,
Philadelphia’s own Lauren Hart and hip-hop sensation V-Factory.  Other special guests include
Miss Philadelphia, Miss Pennsylvania, Miss New Jersey, Phillies legend Gary “The Sarge”
Matthews, Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year David Wooten and 6ABC’s Best of Class.

Twenty-first century superstars are not the only celebrities on the guest list.  For the first time
since the Constitutional Convention, America’s founding fathers will be united when George
Washington, Ben Franklin and Thomas Jefferson travel the parade route in horse-drawn
carriages. Not wanting to miss out on any of the action, Abraham Lincoln, whose 200th birthday
was observed in 2009, is scheduled to celebrate his 200th birthday at the parade!  Other historical
figures like Betsy Ross and Civil War soldiers are set to greet the crowds lining Philadelphia’s
historic streets as they view the festivities.
This year’s parade also features innovative changes that improve each spectator’s viewing
experience. Rather than performing in designated areas along the route, marchers will perform
uninterrupted down the route. All spectators lining the mile-long parade route have equal
viewing access to the exciting performances and floats, no matter where they are located.
Another change is that for the first time in the parade’s history, spectators are invited to become
participants. The Golden Crowne New Years Brigade, the last performance group in the parade
lineup, will pull spectators into the parade formation to follow the group down the route.
“The City of Philadelphia stands as a 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 Sunoco Welcome America! festival’s other events: the Super Scooper All-You-Can-Eat Ice
Cream Festival, held from 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, allows
attendees unlimited access to frozen treats for a donation of just $5. Happy Birthday America,
the annual Tastycake celebration at the Independence Visitor Center, kicks off at 12:30 p.m.
After filling themselves with ice cream and krimpets, crowds can make their way to Ben
Franklin Parkway for the highly anticipated Party on the Parkway. Among other attractions, the
Party on the Parkway will feature a sanctioned Strongman competition, food vendors,
multicultural performances, a children’s pavilion with arts and crafts, the “Green Zone” and a
Sound of Philadelphia stage to delight visitors and locals alike. The day closes with the largest
free concert in America, the spectacular “Life, Liberty and You” concert and fireworks
spectacular headlined by world-renowned pop-rock sensation Sheryl Crow.
Sunoco Welcome America! is a multi-day festival that celebrates America’s birthday in America’s
birthplace and is produced by Welcome America, Inc. For more information, please visit
www.welcomeamerica.com.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
This We Believe – “Paint the Square”
1:00 pm – 3:00pm
Franklin Square
6th and Race Streets
The City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program and Franklin Square present “Paint the Square,” a
Community Paint Day for the “This We Believe” city-wide mural project. In addition to making your own
contribution to a mural, visitors have a chance to enjoy a coloring station, music, balloons and more. This
is a free, fun event for all ages!
Thursday, July 2, 2009:
Go 4th and Learn – The Lenape
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Penn Museum
3260 South Street
Join Shelley DePaul, co-curator of “Fulfilling a Prophecy: The Past and Present of the Lenape of
Pennsylvania” and Language Director of the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania at the Penn Museum for a
special introduction to this region’s first Americans featuring traditional stories, music, and dance.
Friday, July 3, 2009:
Super Scooper All-You-Can-Eat Ice Cream Festival
12:00 noon – 5:00 p.m.
Penn’s Landing
Columbus Boulevard at Walnut Street
Ice cream lovers can indulge in as much of their favorite cold, creamy treat as they like at Penn’s
Landing. Fill those bellies up with just a $5 donation to the Joshua Kahan Fund and have unlimited
access to delicious flavors from Ben & Jerry’s, Häagen-Dazs, Edy’s, Breyers/Good Humor, Bassett’s,
Turkey Hill, Jack & Jill, Philadelphia Water Ice and others.
Pops on Independence
8:30 p.m.  – 10:00 p.m.
Independence Mall
5th and Market Streets
Come early with your blankets, chairs and picnic baskets for an evening under the stars on Independence
Mall listening to the sounds of Philadelphia’s own Peter Nero and the Philly Pops.

Saturday, July 4, 2009:
Independence Day Ceremony
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Independence Hall
520 Chestnut Street
Join Mayor Michael A. Nutter and other dignitaries at Independence Hall for a ceremony filled with
performances honoring America’s 233rd birthday.
Independence Day Parade
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Historic Philadelphia
Back in Historic Philadelphia for the first time in 18 years, the 2009 Independence Day parade will
feature a tapestry of parade elements from around the nation, including Radio Disney recording artist Joey
Page, Philadelphia’s own Lauren Hart, marching bands, drum and bugle corps, re-enactment
organizations, antique cars, fire departments, cultural organizations, active military, floats and more.
Super Scooper All-You-Can-Eat Ice Cream Festival
12:00 noon – 5:00 p.m.
Penn’s Landing
Columbus Boulevard at Walnut Street
Ice cream lovers can indulge in as much of their favorite cold, creamy treat as they like at Penn’s
Landing. Fill those bellies up with just a $5 donation to the Joshua Kahan Fund and have unlimited
access to delicious flavors from Ben & Jerry’s, Häagen-Dazs, Edy’s, Breyers/Good Humor, Bassett’s,
Turkey Hill, Jack & Jill, Philadelphia Water Ice and others.
Party on the Parkway
12:00 noon – 6:00 p.m.
Benjamin Franklin Parkway
The Party on the Parkway kicks off at noon, with a day-long roster of food, games, entertainment and
activities for the whole family. This year, we’ll have tons of fun with attractions such as:
• Go 4th & Learn Pavilion
• Aussie Experience — live, indigenous Australian animals and edutainment
• Please Touch Museum
• Philadelphia Zoo – animals and edutainment from America’s first zoo
• Inflatable rides
• Sand art
• Face painting
• Mobile children’s theater
• MHP Liberty Strongman Classic
• Sound of Philadelphia Stage
• Afternoon performance by Disney recording artist Joey Page and Ashlee Keating
• Green Zone
• Salsa Dance Contest
• Day-long multicultural performances
• Make-and-take arts and crafts
• Food vendors

Saturday, July 4, 2009,
Happy Birthday America
12:30 p.m.
Independence Visitor Center

6th and Market Streets
Sample one of Philly’s favorite treats at the Independence Visitor Center and celebrate America’s
birthday in America’s birthplace!
Bell Tapping Ceremony
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Liberty Bell Center
500 Market Street
Gather around the Liberty Bell as descendants of those who signed the Declaration of Independence
ceremonially tap the bell.
Sunoco Welcome America! “Life, Liberty, and You” Concert & Fireworks
8:00 p.m.
Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Eakins Oval
The excitement begins when Philly’s hometown band The Roots takes the stage to show why they are
unmatched when it comes to live hip hop music. Next up, Sheryl Crow woos the crowd with her hit-
making sound and keeps it building right up to the jaw-dropping fireworks display that makes
Philadelphia the best place to celebrate Independence Day (telecast on ABC).
Debut of PECO L.E.D. Crown Lights
On the evening of July 4th, be sure to look toward the sky for the debut of PECO’s new, energy-efficient
L.E.D. Crown Lights system! The PECO Crown Lights will dazzle crowds with an all-new preview
highlighting Philadelphia favorites that make the city a spectacular place to live.

Sunday, July 5, 2009:
Super Scooper All-You-Can-Eat Ice Cream Festival
12:00 noon – 5:00 p.m.
Penn’s Landing
Columbus Boulevard at Market Street
Ice cream lovers can indulge in as much of their favorite cold, creamy treat as they like at Penn’s
Landing. Fill those bellies up with just a $5 donation to the Joshua Kahan Fund and have unlimited
access to delicious flavors from Ben & Jerry’s, Häagen-Dazs, Edy’s, Breyers/Good Humor, Bassett’s,
Turkey Hill, Jack & Jill, Philadelphia Water Ice and others.

Sunday, July 5, 2009
Fam Jams
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing
Columbus Boulevard at Walnut Street
The “I Can’t Believe it’s FREE,” can’t-miss concert for kids of all ages is back! So make sure to come out
to dance and sing along with Nickelodeon TV stars Nat and Alex Wolff and Camp Rock’s Meaghan
Martin at Penn’s Landing.
Festival Extras:
One of the new-for-2009 features we are proudest of is our social media presence. This year we invite
fans of the Sunoco Welcome America! festival to follow us on both Facebook and Twitter.  On Facebook,
search for Sunoco Welcome America and become a fan to read the latest event details and special
announcements.  On Twitter, our “handle” is @swa09 and when you follow us, you’ll get real-time
updates about all of the festival’s exciting developments.
Sunoco Welcome America! is a multi-day festival that celebrates America’s birthday in America’s
birthplace and is produced by Welcome America, Inc. For more information, please visit
www.welcomeamerica.com.