Wawa Welcomes America's 234th Birthday in Philadelphia

Enjoy the images of the positive patriotic fun enjoyed by Philadelphia residents and visitors during the Independence Day weekend as a part of the 2010 Wawa Welcome America celebration. Throughout the weekend, thousands attended the Independence Day Parade in historic Philadelphia and the "Life, Liberty and You Concert" and fireworks on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Mayor Michael Nutter addresses the crowd at a "Celebration of Freedom" at Independence Hall to kick off the July 4th festivities.

Betsy Ross sews together “Old Glory” in a horse drawn carriage during the Independence Day Parade in historic Philadelphia.

Marines march with a proud display of the American flag.

Miss America Caressa Cameron attends the parade atop a float accompanied by members of the United States Armed Forces.

Historic re-enactors march in celebration of Independence Day.

Philadelphia’s famous Mummers joined the July 4th festivities.

The Goo Goo Dolls and The Roots perform in front of thousands of excited fans at Wawa Welcome America’s "Life, Liberty and You Concert" on the Parkway.

Fireworks mark the grand finale to Wawa Welcome America's celebration of America’s 234th birthday.

- Writer: Amanda Rittenhouse, Photographer: Lisa Simon

Picture the Liberty Bell at Philadelphia International Airport

This morning as part of Wawa Welcome America (from l. to r.,) Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, Philadelphia International Airport CEO Mark Gale and Curator Lee Douglas unveil “Picturing Liberty: Philadelphia’s Legendary Bell,” a photography exhibit.

Now the more than 2 million visitors who travel through the Airport annually will be treated to positive images of Philadelphia’s Liberty Bell, if they happen to be in Terminal A East. Nutter told the crowd at the unveiling, “We actually own this!” (the Bell.) The exhibit features 50 black and white photos of “a most celebrated icon,” that’s “considered one of the world’s sacred relics.” The Liberty Bell arrived in Philadelphia on September 1, 1752. Two hundred and fifty eight years later, it is an enduring symbol of liberty, one that will be celebrated often this holiday weekend.

- Lisa Simon, Photographer and Writer

Look-A-Likes Throw Gloves into Ring for Year's Supply of Hoagies

Nearly thirty Rocky Balboa look-alikes put their best gloves forward at the Wawa Welcome America Rocky Look-Alike contest on Wednesday, June 30. The contest took place at the famous Rocky steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Rocky contenders were requested to provide vocal and physical impressions of the boxer and run up the art museum steps “Italian Stallion” style.

As the sun set on the museum, the winner of the match, pictured in red next to Rocky movie actor James Binns, celebrated his win of a year’s supply of Wawa hoagies. Afterwards, hundreds of attendees gathered on the art museum stairs and enjoyed an outdoor “Philly @ the Movies” screening of Rocky as a positive ending to the month of June.

-Photographer: Lisa Simon. Writer: Amanda Rittenhouse.

Indoor Fireworks at Franklin for 4th

Wawa Welcome America continued its celebration on Tuesday with the Go 4th and Learn series. Young enthusiasts learned the inner workings of fireworks from a Franklin Institute scientist.

An aerial display was used to show what an exploded fire cracker looks like, and how the chemicals burned in the process cause the dissipation of all the different brilliant colors into the air. What a positive way to learn about an Independence Day tradition.

- Rachel Zanan and Sydina Williams

Steal Away and Catch a Movie

People gathered on blankets in front of a large screen in Rittenhouse Square to view To Catch A Thief. The movie, set in France, centers around “Cat” who is a reformed jewel thief. He is brought out of retirement to clear his reputation as there is a copy cat on the prowl. He is pursued by Philadelphia’s own, Grace Kelly (better known as the Princess of Monaco).

This was the first of five Wawa Welcome America film screenings planned for this week. The serene scene on a balmy evening provided a positive image of a relaxed summer night in the City.

-Photographer: Meredith Wertz. Writers: Lisa Simon and Sydina Williams

Hezekiah Walker Ushers in a Cool Celebration to Beat the Heat at Wawa Welcome America

In celebration of Simon PR’s engagement with the City of Philadelphia on behalf of the 2010 Wawa Welcome America Festival, for the next week, Philly P.I. will be showcasing positive images from the enormous, free 11 day 4th of July Festival.

Yesterday the photographer was up close and personal with the “pastor of hip hop” Hezekiah Walker and his Love Fellowship Crusade Choir. Here Hezekiah Walker inspires the audience with his “Raise the Praise” concert at Penn’s Landing as part of Welcome America’s “Taste of Philadelphia,” which ran from Friday through Sunday. Hezekiah combined with the heat and humidity made this the hottest crowd in America.

-Lisa Simon, Photographer and Writer

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A Performance Tip

Busking -- the practice of performing in public places for tips or gratuities. Busker -- a person who is performing for tips.

Many corners in Philadelphia have Buskers. And while many are not very good performers, occasionally there are exceptionally good performers who are Busking.

On one weekend afternoon, there was a troupe of young adult Buskers performing in Philadelphia's Love Park. These performers were amazing, with their gravity defying acrobatics. Their leaps and break dancing showed precision and amazing skill.

So the next time you are out walking in Center City Philadelphia, look and listen for Buskers, especially in the parks. And if you find that occasional good performance, take a moment and enjoy the show.
- Steve Ehrlich, Photographer and Writer

reference Wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Busking