Jul 5, 2009 3:34 pm US/Eastern
Philadelphia Celebrates Independence Day
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
Fourth of July festivities got started early Saturday with a parade through old city, just steps away from where the declaration of independence was signed. The party continued on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway where thousands of people turned out to take in food, games and music, celebrating America's 233rd birthday in America's birthplace.
The day began with a patriotic salute in the shadow of Independence Hall featuring a speech by Mayor Nutter and the signing of Kane Kalas, son of the late Hall-of-Fame broadcaster Harry Kalas, accompanied by the Sharon Baptist Church Mass Choir.
"Philadelphia has the number one Fourth of July celebration anywhere in the United States of America," said Mayor Nutter.
As part of the patriotic celebration, three hometown heroes were honored on the steps of Independence Hall for their service in Iraq.
The ceremony and parade drew visitors from as far away as Paris, France.
"We thought that the best place to go for the Fourth of July would be Philadelphia because it has so much history," said Deborah Attia, a Parisian visiting the states for the first time. "Our favorite part was definitely the parade"
For the first time in 18 years, the Independence Day Parade returned to Old City where thousands lined the route to cheer on the dancers, musicians, veterans and other local personalities.
Festivities didn't end there as the party moved to Penn's Landing or the Ben Franklin Parkway for the annual Party on the Parkway , part of Sunoco's Welcome America Philadelphia party.
Guests at both locations were treated to plenty of food, games and music as part of the day long celebration which concluded with performances by The Roots and Sheryl Crow all followed by the fireworks spectacular.
For more information on local events
Click Here
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Jessica Simpson: Then & Now
Slideshow: Images From The Party on the Parkway
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
