Wawa has announced the official lineup of events for its annual 4th of July celebration week.
In celebration of the 4th of July, as part of its seventh year as title sponsor of Wawa Welcome America!, Wawa has announced a lineup of exciting events and activities that will be a part of Wawa’s eight day celebration in Philidelphia.
The 2016 festival will pack even more patriotic punch with additional firework displays, new concerts, free museum days and of course, Wawa Hoagie Day! Throughout the eight days of Wawa Welcome America! events, Wawa will give away thousands of its favorite items, including Iced Teas, Lemonade Teas and Raspberry Lemonades, hoagies, smoothies and other Wawa foods and beverages at various locations throughout the city.
“Wawa Welcome America! and Hoagie Day give us an opportunity to honor our country’s past and celebrate those heroes, past and present, who have made it the special place it is today. We’re thrilled that we can continue our commitment to fulfilling lives every day, for our community and our customers and also highlight the men and women who protect the freedoms we celebrate during the 4th of July,” said Chris Gheysens, Wawa’s president & CEO. “Each year, Wawa Welcome America! festivities get bigger better than ever, and with all the events, activities and giveaways we have planned this year, 2016 is set to be the best yet. We hope everyone enjoys this jam-packed week of events and can’t wait to see everyone walking the Parkway, enjoying this wonderful celebration.”
Wawa Welcome America! events and activities include:
Thursday, June 30, 2016
Wawa Hoagie Day | 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. | Independence Mall
Wawa associates, Food Network Chef, Robert Irvine, WMMR’s Preston & Steve and hoagie fans from across the region will join in celebration of the 24th annual Wawa Hoagie Day, a day dedicated to honoring our troops and building on The Wawa Foundation’s partnership with the USO. The event will begin with a salute to local and national heroes—military service men and women, firefighters and police officers. Events will include a hoagie march by military heroes and re-enactors, and in recognition of the 75th anniversary of the Liberty USO, 75 volunteers will be honored for their service to our military members and families.
With a special appearance by Food Network Chef Robert Irvine and the USO Show Troupe, the annual “Hoagies for Heroes” contest will feature Philadelphia fire, police and members of the Air and Army National Guard competing in a hoagie-building contest for charity. More than five tons of Wawa hoagies will be distributed FREE to the crowd!
Free Admission to The National Constitution Center | 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. | National Constitution Center
Wawa invites all visitors to enjoy a free day at the National Constitution Center, including Freedom Rising, the all-new story of “We the People” and Signers’ Hall, as well as the new feature exhibition “On the Road to the White House.” In addition, a display will feature Wawa’s history in the Philadelphia Region where visitors can “vote” for the next new featured hoagie variety.
Friday, July 1, 2016
Wawa Smoothie Shack | 4 to 7 p.m. | Penn’s Landing
Located in Old City at Penn’s Landing, the Wawa Smoothie Shack will be on hand to dish out free samples of Wawa’s refreshing smoothies to all visitors!
Saturday, July 2, 2016
Free Admission to The National Constitution Center | 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. | National Constitution Center
Wawa invites all visitors to enjoy a second free day at the National Constitution Center. All attendees to the museum can explore the special exhibits planned in honor of our nation’s birthday, including the featured exhibit of the day— “Headed to the White House,” the only exhibit of its kind, uniquely created to engage visitors of all ages with the excitement of the election season. Visitors can join the race, earn the nomination and win the election as artifacts, interactives and hands-on activities take them from the campaign trail and into the Oval Office.
Highlights of the Day’s Programming:
- Finding the Founders Scholarly Talks and Walking Tours—Six programs thought out the day focusing on the history of elections and the presidency
- The 1776 Experience—Revolutionary War Encampment
- Com[promising] Future theatrical performance
In addition, Wawa will continue its salute of everyday heroes during the 4th of July week by recognizing the police officers who serve the community through the Police Athletic League of Philadelphia. In a special morning ceremony, families, children and local officials will be on hand to show appreciation for these heroes through a special breakfast and tribute in their honor.
Sunday, July 3, 2016
Wawa Smoothie Shack | 3 to 7 p.m. | Independence Block Party at Independence Hall
Located right in the heart of Philadelphia’s historic district, the Wawa Smoothie Shack will be on hand to dish out free samples of Wawa’s refreshing smoothies to all visitors!
Monday, July 4, 2016
Independence Day Parade | 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. | LOCATION
Party on the Parkway followed by Concert and Fireworks | 12 to 1 p.m. | The Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Each year, the highlight of Wawa Welcome America! is the July 4th Independence Day Parade, the Party on the Parkway and the largest free concert in America. Wawa Associates will hand out more than 40,000 FREE Wawa teas, juices, lemonades and waters throughout the day starting at the Independence Day Parade in historic Philadelphia in the morning and throughout the afternoon during the Party on the Parkway. Wawa associates will also be giving out patriotic event hats to wear and flags to wave in patriotism to celebrate our nation’s birthday.
Before the celebration begins, visitors are invited to enter for a chance to win a VIP trip to the Wawa Welcome America! July 4th festivities in Philadelphia in Wawa’s Life, Liberty, & the Pursuit of Deliciousness sweepstakes! Wawa is giving away six trips for four, including a two-night hotel stay, reserved seats at the 4th of July Concert & Fireworks, Wawa gift cards and more.