Day: June 23, 2015

June 18 2015rnrnNational LGBT 50th Anniversary Celebration Adds Rainbow Colors To Red, White & Blue Festivitiesrn

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rnFourth of July ParadernrnAs the calendar zooms towards Independence Day, Philadelphia, where the nation was born 239 years ago, revs up for a full week of flag-waving, heart-swelling, hand-clapping, patriotic fun. The annual Wawa Welcome America! celebration lasts for an entire week, and come Friday, July 3, the revelry really picks up with 48 hours of fun. That means patriotic ceremonies, parades, concerts, fireworks and festivities that mark the 50th anniversary of a protest demonstration that laid the groundwork for LGBT civil rights. Here’s a look at what’s happening on July 3 and 4:rnrnJuly 3:rnrnVisitors are free to celebrate at the Liberty Block Party, the largest block party of the summer. Some of the most historic streets in the city will be packed with revelers nibbling treats from local restaurants and jamming to live entertainment. On 5th & 6th Streets between Market & Chestnut Streets, welcomeamerica.comrnThe BYOB (bring-our-own-blanket) POPS! On Independence concert has become a traditional holiday favorite and for good reason. The combination of The Philly Pops under the baton of Michael Krajewski, a lively score of family-friendly tunes and the dramatic backdrop of Independence Hall creates a perfect setting for a night of music under the stars. 6th & Chestnut Streets, welcomeamerica.comrnWith Dumblonde’s Aubrey O’Day and Shannon Bex handling hosting duties and a musical lineup headlined by GoGo Morrow, Ferras, America’s Got Talent’s Jonathan Allen and others, the LGBT Civil Rights Movement 50th Anniversary Concert features a night of dancing and entertainment. A who’s who of drag performers, including Adore Delano, Mimi Imfurst, Satine Harlow, Ariel Versace and others, add glitz and glam to this evening of fun. Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, Columbus Boulevard at Walnut Street, (800) 745-3000, ticketmaster.comrnJuly 4:rnrnInspiring remarks, music and a reading from the Declaration of Independence kick off the Independence Day festivities at Independence Hall. This year’s Celebration of Freedom Ceremony commemorates the 50th anniversary of the first major LGBT protest in the United States, the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the 50th anniversary of the Immigration & Nationality Act of 1965 and the 150th anniversary of the addition of the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. A naturalization ceremony for new American citizens is also on the agenda. 6th & Chestnut Streets, welcomeamerica.comrnPatriotic pageantry is on display when more than 6,000 participants from across the nation hit the streets for the Independence Day Parade. Marching bands, floats, military groups, Miss America and special performance teams will be waving the red, white and blue during this hometown-style parade. The parade steps off at 5th and Chestnut Streets and ends at Front and Chestnut Streets. welcomeamerica.comrnDescendants of the signers of the Declaration of Independence lead a ceremonial tapping of the Liberty Bell during this program hosted by the Sons of the American Revolution. Liberty Bell Center, 6th & Market Streets, welcomeamerica.comrnA star-studded line-up awaits at the National LGBT 50th Anniversary Celebration. Comedian Wanda Sykes will emcee the tribute to gay pioneers in a program that features performances by the Washington, New York and Philadelphia gay choruses, Jonathan Allen and Gogo Morrow, Bishop Gene Robinson, Judy Shepard, James Obergefell, Edith Windsor and others. Between 5th & 6th Streets and Market & Chestnut Streets, lgbt50.orgrnThe day-long Party on the Parkway features blocks of games, food and live entertainment on two stages. Pogopalooza, the world championship of extreme pogo, and the U.S. Olympic Committee’s Road to Rio Tour will be among the activities that make this a festive frolic. 20th Street to Eakins Oval on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, welcomeamerica.comrnAs the sun goes down, the lights go up for the Philly 4th of July Jam concert and fireworks grand finale. Hometown musical group The Roots serve as headliners and are joined by Miguel, Jennifer Nettles and others. Then all eyes turn to the skies for a dazzling fireworks display over the Philadelphia Museum of Art. 26th Street & the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, welcomeamerica.com rn rnVISIT PHILADELPHIA® makes Philadelphia and The Countryside® a premier destination through marketing and image building that increases the number of visitors, the number of nights they stay and the number of things they do in the five-county area.rnrnOn Greater Philadelphia’s official visitor website and blog, visitphilly.com and uwishunu.com, visitors can explore things to do, upcoming events, themed itineraries and hotel packages. Compelling photography and videos, interactive maps and detailed visitor information make the sites effective trip-planning tools. Along with Visit Philly social media channels, the online platforms communicate directly with consumers. Travelers can also call and stop into the Independence Visitor Center for additional information and tickets.rnrnContact(s):rnDonna Schorr, (215) 599-0782