Philadelphia, PA
- Crowds were gathered to watch the patriotic and energized parade in Old City which celebrated the 242nd anniversary of the birth of our nation. Held during the Wawa Welcome America Philadelphia festival, the United States of America’s Independence Day Parade made its way through the streets of Philadelphia on July 4th. The annual event brings a large crowd and is a wonderful way to celebrate our freedom of independence.
There were floats, dancers, mummers, and of course those who serve to protect our rights along with first responders. Amongst them, there was also a variety of rich and diverse cultures represented, along with historical and musical elements within some of the participating groups.
There were drum lines with dancers who performed in unison to the beat. In sharp contrast there were war reenactors marching to the steady beat of a drum in the parade. As an observer, the participants offered a little bit of old and new to help celebrate our years of independence.
Some of the parade participants whose group drew more reactions were show-stoppers like the large group of cyclists who were on 2 and 3-tiered monocycles riding down the cobblestone roadway. Another crowd favorite was the Hoffman Design Float called “Love is Universal” with bubbles floating in the air and the Visit Philadelphia Float called “XOXO Float.”
The mascots for Tasty Baking Company (TastyKake), Wawa Convenience Store Company, and McGruff the Crime Dog (Crime McGruff) were also there and wowed the crowds while they placed a smile on everyone’s faces. Whenever someone called out to them, they would stop and take a moment to wave back in return.
Also waving to the parade-goers where a parade of contestants for the Miss America pageant. The states represented were: Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maine, Virginia, Tennessee, Delaware, and Maryland.
The crown jewel though, was the celebration of our armed forces parading down the streets. Some were from Veteran’s groups, others were from active military troops—but all who are deserving of our thanks for protecting the freedoms which we were there to celebrate.
The Independence Day Parade has been a staple in our celebrations for the 4th of July in Philly, and in 2009 it was the first time in history that the parade took place exclusively in the Old City District of Philadelphia.
The parade was a lot full of fun, eye-catching, and family-friendly. I hope that if you want to celebrate our nation’s history that you come to The City of Brotherly Love and enjoy it for yourself.
