PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Philadelphia officials and organizers say this year’s Wawa Welcome America festival will be the largest in the event’s history, including 16 days of concerts, cultural programming and celebrations leading up to the nation’s 250th birthday.
The festival, which draws visitors “from all over the world,” will feature more fireworks, more performances and more headliners than ever before, according to Welcome America CEO Michael Delbene. “We’ve got more nights of fireworks. We’ve got more performances. We’ve got more headliners,” he said.
Reigning Miss America Cassie Doneagan helped kick off the announcement, calling the celebration a moment of unity.
“To be able to be at these events and see everyone celebrating in unity is just so wonderful,” she said.
Organizers say the expanded schedule will highlight Philadelphia’s culture and history while showcasing major talent.
D.J. Jazzy Jeff will headline the Juneteenth Block Party, and Eve will lead the Celebration of Black Music Month concert.
Queen Latifah and Idina Menzel are also among the featured performers.
This year’s festivities will include a special appearance by Pope Leo the 14th, who is being honored with the Liberty Medal. The first American Pope, who has ties to Philadelphia, will deliver his acceptance remarks live from the Vatican.
“We wanted to have somebody who embodied the ideas of the American founding – freedom of religion and freedom of conscious – and Pope Leo was from the start at the top of our list,” said Vince Stango of the National Constitution Center.
City officials emphasized that safety remains a priority as crowds are expected to grow.
The festival will also bring back popular events such as Kidchella and the waterfront concert.
Organizers are planning six nights of fireworks – the most ever – along with free admission to nearly 60 museums and cultural institutions.
“We want people to come from all over the world and celebrate with us, but we also want them to go home having a taste of Philadelphia,” Delbene said.
Additional headliners throughout the festival will include Kirk Franklin, Pink Sweats and Trixie Mattel. One major change this year: the annual parade will be held on July 3, and organizers say it will be the largest in the event’s history.
Miss America will be part of the parade, as will all 52 Miss America pageant titleholders from this year’s competition.
The headliner for the July 4 concert has not yet been announced.
Organizers say the expanded festival marks a milestone moment for the city.
“It’s an incredible opportunity for our city and we think we’ve risen to the occasion,” Delbene said.
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