4th of July Fireworks in Philadelphia Area for 2010

The Fireworks in Philadelphia will go on this year, not only downtown at the Welcome America Festival, but in the neighborhoods, now that the city has backed down on their demand for police and cleanup costs for parades and community activities.

1. Philadelphia's Welcome America Festival Fireworks and Parade: The Annual Welcome America Festival is sponsoring Fireworks at two locations. On Saturday, July 3rd, fireworks will go off at Penn's Landing, Columbus Boulevard and Chestnut Street, at approximately 9:30 p.m., following a performance of patriotic works by the Philadelphia Orchestra at the River Stage. On Sunday, July 4th, fireworks will be held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on Eakins Oval on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. These fireworks follow the "Life, Liberty and You Concert," featuring The Goo Goo Dolls, The Roots, Chrisette Michelle, Chuck Brown and Green River Ordinance. Visit this link for rundowns on the performers. This link will tell you the best places from which to view the fireworks.

Philadelphia's Annual Independence Day Parade, sponsored by the Welcome America Festival, will depart at 11 a.m. from Independence Hall at and Fifth and Chestnut Streets, and will wind through historic Old City. The parade will feature marching bands, antique cars, dancers, patriotic figures, and floats to celebrate freedom. Visit this site for all the Welcome America Festival activities this week.

2. Lawncrest's 95th Annual Fourth of July Celebration: Lawncrest, a Northeast neighborhood bordered by Olney and Oxford Circle, was thrilled when they learned that they could hold their 95th annual parade, daylong activities and fireworks display without being beholding to the City. Since the Fourth falls on a Sunday this year, the festivities have been scheduled for Saturday, July 3rd, due to an agreement with neighborhood churches not to hold the celebration on a Sunday. The parade is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. at Longshore and Rising Sun Avenue, and will end at the Lawncrest Recreation Center at East Comly and Rising Sun, where a flag raising ceremony will be held.

The following activities are scheduled throughout the day at the Recreation center: Flea market, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Food court, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Classic car show, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Children's rides, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Bingo, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Musical entertainment, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Baby parade, 1:00 p.m. The fireworks will begin at dusk.

3. Fireworks in Upper Darby: On Friday, July 2nd, Upper Darby Township is sponsoring a Sousa Concert and professional Fireworks Show at Upper Darby High School, 601 North Lansdowne Avenue in Drexel Hill. Performances by the Upper Darby Sousa Band, The John Hoey Orchestra and The Upper Darby Summer Stage Shooting Stars will begin at 7:30 p.m., followed by the fireworks at approximately 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $3, children under 5 are free. For more information, call 610-622-1189, or visit www.udsd.k12.pa.us.

4. Fireworks in Bucks County: Peddler's Village in Lahaska, Bucks County (Routes 202 & 263) will hold its 7th annual 2010 "Celebration of Freedom" on Saturday, July 3, 2010, from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Admission and parking are free. Live entertainment, childrens' activities and picnic food lead up to a Fireworks display at 9:15 p.m. For information, visit this site, or call 215-794-4000.

Whether you prefer spending the Fourth of July amongst the excitement of the big city, sharing the camaraderie of a traditional neighborhood celebration or enjoying the quaint coziness of a small town festival, Philadelphia and its environs is the place to go.

Welcome America Event Map; Sources: Philly.com; Lawncrest Celebration; Upper Darby Fireworks and Concert