Governor Rendell Announces All-American July 4 Weekend in Philly

Governor Rendell Announces All-American July 4 Weekend in Philly

City's Patriotic Icons Complement Major Concerts on the Parkway for Independence Day Celebration

WHAT: A coalition of Philadelphia organizations will announce Four Days of the Fourth, a four-day, four-night schedule of patriotic and family-friendly events, taking place July 1 through July 4, 2005, on Independence Mall in Philadelphia. With the world's attention on the cradle of liberty for the Live 8 and Sunoco Philadelphia Freedom Concert on July 2 and 4, respectively, the city is ready to show off its iconic historic sites, including the Liberty Bell Center and Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and signed. Independence National Historical Park is expecting record crowds to its sites over the weekend.

Organizers will present details on these events, among others:

-- A free concert by Peter Nero and the Philly Pops on July 3 to celebrate the lighting of Independence Hall and the rising of a new American flag that will fly 24 hours a day above the historic building. Peter Nero will announce the musical program and the song that will be played during this poignant moment, and a representative from the National Park Service will discuss the Independence Square lighting project.

-- Official announcement about the gift of the Normandy Bell, a replica of Philadelphia's Liberty Bell that commemorates the 60th anniversary of D-Day, from France to the United States. Governor Rendell will introduce the historically significant participants in the annual Let Freedom Ring ceremony scheduled for July 4.

-- Announcement of the Lights of Liberty Show's Teen Idol Search for the Greatest "God Bless America." The winner will sing at the Sunoco Philadelphia Freedom Concert on July 4, headlined by Elton John with performances by Patti LaBelle and other artists.

WHO: Speakers include: -- Edward G. Rendell, Governor of Pennsylvania -- Martha Bogle, acting assistant superintendent, Independence National Historical Park -- Meryl Levitz, president and CEO, Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corp. -- Peter Nero, musical director, Peter Nero and the Philly Pops -- Amy Needle, spokesperson, Independence Mall activities

WHEN: Thursday, June 9, 10:30-11:15 a.m.

WHERE: Independence Visitor Center, lawn on Independence Mall (enter on Market Street) 6th & Market Streets Rain Location: 2nd floor ballroom

PHOTO OPPS: -- Brass band performance by Peter Nero and the Philly Pops -- A teen signing "God Bless America" -- Uniformed United States sailors presenting an American flag to descendents of the signers of the Declaration of Independence

CONTACT: Cara Schneider, GPTMC (215) 599-0789, cara@gptmc.com

PRNewswire -- June 7

Source: Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation

Web site: http://www.gophila.com/

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