First came days of triple-digit heat, then storms accompanied by lightning and thunder. Across the region and beyond, Fourth of July parades, festivals and other celebrations were shortened, delayed or even canceled in a bow to Mother Nature.
But, to borrow from the Declaration of Independence, certain truths were self-evident: That people would engage in the pursuit of happiness.
Chestnut Hill’s celebration went on as planned, as did parades, picnics and fireworks in Oreland, Whitemarsh, Conshohocken and elsewhere around the area. Some last-minute changes, in terms of timing and shortened events, were made to protect people from the weather as much as possible. For example, the Glenside Children’s Morning Program was canceled and the town’s parade started later with a modified route. But an official of the Chestnut Hill Bocce Club, which sponsors the local bike parade and celebration, said this year’s crowd appeared larger than last year’s despite the intense heat.
In Center City, the July Fourth parade was canceled but not the concert and fireworks on Benjamin Franklin Parkway. There was, however, a nearly three-hour delay caused by severe thunderstorms.
As thousands of fans returned for the show, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker reopened the celebration and led the crowd in chanting, “Ain’t no party like a Philly block party because a Philly block party don’t stop.”
The concert resumed shortly after midnight and concluded with hometown stars including The Roots and Will Smith, who ushered in the fireworks finale, ending at 2:43 a.m.
