Wawa Welcome America

Schedule:

10:00 a.m - 2:00 p.m: Free Museum Days: Cliveden House

Cliveden is a historic site that preserves and interprets over 200 years of American history through the lives of the Chew Family and their staff, both enslaved and in service. Cliveden produces engaging programming for children and adults to connect the past and the present.

Visitors will receive a free tour of the Cliveden Main House and the exhibit, The Turmoil of Transition: The mid-nineteenth century at Cliveden. The Carriage House Visitor Center and grounds will be open to the public, as well.

10:00 a.m: Celebration of Freedom Ceremony

With Independence Hall as the backdrop, celebrate July 4th and observe the evolving history of America’s freedom, with remarks by Mayor Cherelle L. Parker and a variety of notable guest speakers. Join us for the presentation of the inaugural Mayor’s One Philly Award, the Wawa Foundation Hero Award and The Celebrate Freedom Award presented by Freedom Mortgage. This event is produced in partnership with the Office of the City of Representative. Tune in to NBC10 and stream on NBCU local platforms at 6 PM or watch on your device at nbcphiladelphia.com.

The Wawa Foundation Hero Award: honors a non-profit organization and its volunteers serving Philadelphia by providing
services that build stronger communities through preserving our independence, protecting our safety and mentoring and
inspiring our youth.

The Celebrate Freedom Award: The Celebrate Freedom Contest is open to all service members, veterans, first responders, and healthcare workers. Entrants submit an essay of 1,500 characters or less based on their personal experience that answers the question: "What does freedom mean to me." In 2023, Freedom Mortgage will make a $5 donation to both Feeding America® and the USO (United Service Organizations) for each of the first 600 submissions, up to $3,000 total per charity. This donation to Feeding America will help provide at least 30,000 meals to people facing hunger. The Celebrate Freedom Contest grand prize award winner will receive a trip for two to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to attend the Wawa Welcome America Festival on July 4 and receive a check for $10,000 from Freedom Mortgage. 2024 submissions have officially closed and the winner will be announced on July 4th.

11:00 a.m - 12:30 p.m: Salute to Independence Parade

Dress in your red, white and blue and wave a flag as the Salute to Independence Parade celebrates the 248th birthday of the United States in grand style and pageantry. The moving procession of history and culture that celebrates the people and diversity of our country is an event that you do not want to miss. The parade kicks off at 11:00 AM, starting at 2nd and Market Streets and continuing to City Hall. The entertaining and exciting parade will feature national and international groups, including representation from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Florida, New York, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, Minnesota, and the Nation of Honduras.

12:00 p.m - 2:00 p.m: Free Museum Days: Johnson House Historic Site

Join a docent led 60-minute guided tour of the Johnson House Historic Site, a National Historic Landmark and Underground Railroad station. You will learn about the history of the Quaker abolitionist Johnson Family, the anti-slavery movement, the early history of enslavement in America, the Transatlantic Slave Trade, the Fugitive Slave Laws that kept the enslaved constantly on the run, and the collaborative efforts between Black – free and enslaved – and White abolitionists. The Johnson family history links it to the national anti-slavery movement and documents the family association with leading anti-slavery figures locally and nationally. The Johnson Family called themselves "infidel practitioners" and advocates of racial equality. The Johnson home provided refuge and a safe place for escaping enslaved Africans on the way to secure their freedom. The UGRR was the embodiment of African Resistance during the era of enslavement of African people in America.

7:00 p.m: July 4th Concert and Fireworks

The festival culminates with a star-studded concert on the Parkway, featuring performances by three-time GRAMMY Award-winning R&B hitmaker, iconic songwriter, actor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Ne-Yo, and Grammy-nominated and award-winning musician, actress and activist Kesha.

Prior to the concert, guests will enjoy a collaborative performance by DJ Diamond Kuts and Snacktime on the Pennsylvania Lottery Groove Stage on the Parkway 4 PM – 6 PM. The concert will begin on the main stage at 7 PM and end with a breathtaking fireworks display courtesy of Wawa. Concert goers can snap a photo in NBC’s The Voice coach’s chair and experience the Well-being on Wheels presented by Independence Blue Cross, featuring light therapy and sound meditation with Modrn Wellness and nutrition takeaways in partnership with Sharing Excess.

Gates open at 4 PM. The main entrance is located at Logan Circle at 20th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. If you have a ticket for the front section, you must enter at 22nd St. and Pennsylvania Ave. OR 22nd and Winter Sts.