In and around the Cradle of Liberty today, there are a plethora of excellent Independence Day celebrations taking place. Some, like the Sunoco-sponsored Welcome America celebrations, began over a week ago and culminate in today's festivities. Others are decidedly more local, taking place in individual neighborhoods and suburbs throughout the Delaware Valley.
I'm considering a jaunt down to the Welcome America finale this evening. It should be a good show: Sir Elton John, Peter Nero and the Philly Pops and Bryan Adams -- all capped by a magnificent pyrotechnic show at the Art Museum. But there are other area events, too.
A partial list of events and exhibits:
- PhillyBurbs.com offers info on "Southampton Days" in Bucks, which has a concert (a Beatles musical review) and fireworks -- see a more comprehensive listing of Bucks events here
- Philly.com alerts us to a great event with 70's and 80's rock (for those who thought the Live 8 line up too modern), featuring Joan Jett & the Black Hearts and Blue Oyster Cult as lead-ins to the fireworks in Pennsauken
- Philly.com also posts a nice listing of fireworks shows in the area
- Philly mentions a possible trip over to the American Friends Service Committee's Eyes Wide Open exhibit, which will be in town through this afternoon
Philly blogger sentiments for the occasion:
- Pstupidonymous sends out a simple salutation for the Fourth
- Rowhouse Logic posts the text of our seminal national document in a way that may evoke more current events
- Artblog mentions the Temporary Allegiance public art project on Logan Square
- Blonde Sagacity chips in with some historical perspective and ways to check your July 4th IQ
- Frank at iFlipFlop muses about using his press pass to scope out the big Welcome America show tonight
What are some of the other celebratory events taking place around our fair metropolitan area today? What thoughts weigh on the minds of Philly bloggers concerning this national birthday observance? If you've got something to add, drop a note in the comments, with links to other 4th of July thoughts and events -- share your thoughts and help us get the word out about great local celebrations in the Philly area!
