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/

-------
Profile: intent