{"id":232312,"date":"2026-06-30T23:40:07","date_gmt":"2026-06-30T23:40:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/232312\/"},"modified":"2026-06-30T23:40:07","modified_gmt":"2026-06-30T23:40:07","slug":"extreme-heat-in-philly-impacts-wawa-welcome-america-events-this-week-nbc10-philadelphia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/232312\/","title":{"rendered":"Extreme heat in Philly impacts Wawa Welcome America events this week \u2013 NBC10 Philadelphia"},"content":{"rendered":"

Extreme heat in the Philadelphia region this week<\/a> is altering several Wawa Welcome America events. Temperatures are expected to reach the upper 90s on Wednesday and over 100 degrees on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, July 4th.<\/p>\n

As a result of the heat, the following changes were made to the remaining Wawa Welcome America events.<\/p>\n

Wednesday, July 1, 2026<\/p>\n

Wawa Hoagie Day<\/p>\n

Wawa Hoagie Day \u2013 As part of Wawa Welcome America, Wawa is inviting Philadelphians and hoagie lovers from across the region to take part in its great hoagie tradition\u2014Hoagie Day! This year will feature 30,000 turkey Shorti hoagies made with eight tons of ingredients, along with a celebration dedicated to honoring our military, veterans, fire and police, our everyday heroes, and The Wawa Foundation\u2019s ongoing partnership with the USO. During the event, Wawa will distribute 18,000 free turkey hoagies to the public beginning at Noon!<\/p>\n

11:45 a.m. \u2013\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Hoagie Day Programming Kicks Off (Outside on Arch Street)<\/p>\n

Performance by Voices of Service<\/p>\n

Official Hoagie Distribution Begins!<\/p>\n

12:00 p.m. \u2013 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 National Anthem by Miss America (Inside National Constitution Center)<\/p>\n

Program Remarks and Recognition of USO<\/p>\n

12:30 p.m. \u2013 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHoagies for Heroes\u201d Competition (inside National Constitution Center)<\/p>\n

12:45 p.m. \u2013 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Voices of Service (inside National Constitution Center)<\/p>\n

1:15 p.m. \u2013 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band performance<\/p>\n

(inside the National Constitution Center)<\/p>\n

Hoagie distribution on Arch Street between 5th and 6th Streets in front of the National Constitution Center; Hoagies for Heroes Competition & other performances inside the National Constitution Center (2nd floor)<\/p>\n

Thursday, July 2, 2026<\/p>\n

Philadelphia Historic District\u2019s Red, White, & Blue To-Do<\/p>\n

Schedule of Events:<\/p>\n

7 a.m. \u2013 Living Liberty Bell \u2013 The day begins with the creation of a giant Living Liberty Bell, gathering 250 people to form the shape of the famous bell on Independence Mall adorned in red, white, and blue. Participants include all 53 Miss America 2026 delegates and the current Miss America. 5th & Arch Streets<\/p>\n

11:00 a.m. \u2013 Red, White, & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade \u2013 kicks off at the National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street, featuring 13 whimsical red wagon floats decked out with Philadelphia icons and patriotic flair. The Parade also features drill teams, cultural dance troupes, and national and international youth performers\u00a0representing\u00a0the diversity of the city. Launching from the National Constitution Center, the parade travels past the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, turning left onto Chestnut Street and ending at Carpenters\u2019 Hall. NEW SHORTER ROUTE.<\/p>\n

The All-American Block Party (11a-2p) \u2013 CANCELLED<\/p>\n

2 p.m. to 5 p.m. WXPN Welcomes the Red, White, & Blue Music Series \u2014 Twenty-eight Philadelphia groups perform free street musical sets at 11 locations (some indoors, some outdoors) throughout the Historic District. This musical journey invites visitors to stroll from site to site and discover acoustic sounds from around the world woven into one celebratory afternoon. Each stop transforms the birthplace of American independence into an open-air concert hall, where listeners of all ages can find something that speaks directly to them, whether they are casual listeners, culture seekers, or devoted music lovers.\u00a0<\/p>\n

5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Float Fest invites guests to an exclusive sneak peek of the spectacular floats before they roll through the streets in The Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade on July 3. This immersive pre-parade experience gives attendees the opportunity to get up close to the artistry and creativity behind the celebration, snap photos, and experience the excitement before parade day begins. Enjoy food trucks and giveaways from our partners at Bank of America, as well as Philadelphia favorites like Herr’s, Sparkling Ice, and of course, Wawa.<\/p>\n

6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Red, White, & Ros\u00e9 Picnic \u2013 START TIME PUSHED TO 6 P.M. \u2013 On Independence Mall with picnic seating and food trucks along Arch Street, between 5th & 6th Streets. During the picnic, visitors can check out Float Fest, viewing the elaborate floats alongside the Mall which will be used in the July 3rd Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade.<\/p>\n

7:30 p.m. The Wawa Foundation Hero Award will be announced and Wawa will recognize USO volunteers and announce a contribution to USO centers across its chain.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n

Salute to Service: The United States Army Field Band and Soldiers\u2019 Chorus with superstar Queen Latifah \u2013 START TIME PUSHED BACK TO 8 P.M. – The U.S. Army Field Band & Soldiers\u2019 Chorus returns on the Independence Concert Series Stage presented by VISIT PHILADELPHIA\u00ae to Independence Mall with a rousing performance honoring our Soldiers and Veterans, while showcasing the talented musicians and artists in the Army. The concert will include the world premiere of Evident Truths, a newly commissioned work by acclaimed composer Nkeiru Okoye\u00a0in celebration of America\u2019s 250th birthday. Featuring a headlining performance by Grammy, Emmy, Golden Globe, NAACP, SAG and Critic\u2019s Choice award-winning and Oscar-nominated musician, actress, producer, label president, author, and entrepreneur Queen Latifah.\u00a0The concert will also feature a special performance by Miss America 2026 Cassie Donegan.<\/p>\n

Independence Illumination Drone Show \u2013 START TIME PUSHED BACK TO 10 P.M. – a spectacular 13-minute drone show viewable from Independence Mall, where hundreds of illuminated drones create breathtaking great moments from the country\u2019s 250 years with flag-themed imagery and patriotic animations in the night sky.<\/p>\n

Friday, July 3, 2026<\/p>\n

The National Constitution Center\u2019s 38th\u00a0Annual Liberty Medal Ceremony<\/a><\/p>\n

Due to the City\u2019s Extreme Heat Warning beginning Wednesday, and forecasts indicating a high probability of unsafe conditions for outdoor programming on July 3, the National Constitution Center made the decision to move the Liberty Medal ceremony indoors. The ceremony honoring His Holiness Pope Leo XIV will now take place inside the National Constitution Center beginning at 10:45 a.m. The Pope\u2019s live virtual address from the Vatican will proceed as scheduled. Because of space limitations inside the Center, attendance at the ceremony will be limited to invited guests. The full program will also be streamed live on NBC10, the NBC10 app and the NBC10 streaming channel. The decision was made to prioritize the health and safety of guests, participants, staff, volunteers, and members of the media.<\/p>\n

WHEN: \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Friday, July 3, 10:45 a.m. \u2013 noon<\/p>\n

WHERE: \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street<\/p>\n

The Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade\u00a0\u2013 ROUTE CHANGE<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s celebration is the largest professionally produced Semiquincentennial (250th) celebration parade in the nation and will feature 250 exciting elements that represent all 50 states and U.S. territories. During the parade, see all 52 Miss America state and territory titleholders showcasing their home state or territory through themed performances and visuals, in addition to an unforgettable lineup of 40+ marching bands,19 parade floats, military and special units, historic and cultural showcases, and more. Guests can enjoy the parade in official cheer zones along its route, or watch from home on NBC10.\u00a0Cheer zones feature complimentary giveaways, fan experiences, and more, and can be found at 6th and Market Streets, between 11th and 12th on Market Street, and on the Northeast side of City Hall.<\/p>\n

WHEN: \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Friday, July 3, 12 p.m. <\/p>\n

WHERE: \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Independence Hall (Beginning at 5th and Chestnut Street) to Broad & Chestnut Streets<\/p>\n

NEW ROUTE:<\/p>\n

The parade starts at 5th and Chestnut Streets and travels West on Chestnut to 6th street, turns right and continues to Market Street where it turns left and makes its way down Market towards City Hall. At City Hall it will left onto South Juniper Street and end at Chestnut and Broad Streets.<\/p>\n

Pops on Independence presented by Bank of America with Headliner Idina Menzel \u2014 START TIME PUSHED BACK TO 8 P.M.<\/p>\n

See the Philly Pops and Idina Menzel perform to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of America. The patriotic celebration will feature a headlining performance from multi-platinum-selling singer\/songwriter and Tony Award-winning performer Idina Menzel, live orchestral music, and festive cheer in the heart of the nation\u2019s birthplace. Limited seating is available as well as lawn viewing.<\/p>\n

Guests are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy a pre-concert block party, featuring food trucks and giveaways from Philadelphia favorites like Tastykake, Sparkling Ice, and of course, Wawa.<\/p>\n

WHEN: \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Friday, July 3, 8 p.m.<\/p>\n

WHERE: \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Independence National Historic Park at 6th & Market Streets\u00a0on the Independence Concert Series Stage presented by VISIT PHILADELPHIA<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Extreme heat in the Philadelphia region this week is altering several Wawa Welcome America events. Temperatures are expected…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":232313,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[69,71,70,51239],"class_list":["post-232312","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-philadelphia","tag-philadelphia","tag-philadelphia-headlines","tag-philadelphia-news","tag-wawa-welcome-america"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/232312","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=232312"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/232312\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/232313"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=232312"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=232312"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=232312"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}