Ben Franklin & Betsy Ross to Wed During Philly's Fourth of July

PHILADELPHIA, June 9 /PRNewswire/ -- When it comes to celebrating America's birthday, Philly does July 4 like nowhere else. A highlight this year will be the real-life wedding of two re-enactors who portray Benjamin Franklin and Betsy Ross. The couple will be married in front of Independence Hall with Mayor Michael A. Nutter officiating and Peter Nero and the Philly POPS providing the music. Add in back-to-back fireworks shows, free concerts starring John Legend and Boyz II Men, a Latin fiesta that will take over Benjamin Franklin Parkway and budget-friendly hotel packages for a Fourth of July weekend revelers won't soon forget. All of the festivities are free and part of Sunoco Welcome America!, celebrating America's birthday in America's birthplace, June 28 through July 6, 2008.

Check out this line-up of events happening in Philadelphia from July 3 through 6:

    -- The Real Life Wedding of Benjamin Franklin & Betsy Ross - Ralph
       Archbold, the nation's premier Benjamin Franklin re-enactor seen most
       recently on The Colbert Report, will marry his love Linda Wilde, who
       portrays Betsy Ross, on July 3.  Clad in Colonial attire, the real-life
       couple will wed in a public ceremony officiated by Mayor Nutter in
       front of Independence Hall. Peter Nero and the Philly POPS will provide
       the music.  8:00 p.m. 5th & Chestnut Streets

    -- Sunoco Sweet Sounds of Liberty Concert & Fireworks - On July 4,
       five-time Grammy Award-winner John Legend headlines an evening of
       neo-soul that begins with the Southwest Airlines July 4th Parade up the
       Benjamin Franklin Parkway and ends with fireworks bursting over the
       Philadelphia Museum of Art.  Choreographed to music from around the
       world that reflects the theme The Melting Pot, USA, the display will
       feature the colors of the flags of each nation featured in the
       soundtrack, which will culminate with the premiere of
       I Am an American, a new patriotic anthem recorded by Patti LaBelle.
       The parade steps off at 6:00 p.m. and reaches the reviewing stands at
       7:00 p.m. Concert begins at 8:30 p.m.

    -- Waterfront Concert & Fireworks - On July 5, the action moves to Penn's
       Landing where local artists Boyz II Men, one of the most successful
       male singing groups of all time, perform in a free, family-friendly
       concert.  After the trio's performance, the skies over the Delaware
       River will glow with another fireworks display.  Choreographed to the
       theme The Colors of Summer, the music and fireworks will follow the
       colors of a summer rainbow.  The concert begins at 6:30 p.m., and
       fireworks start at 9:30 p.m.  Columbus Boulevard at Chestnut Street,
       (215) 629-3200

    -- Fiesta on the Parkway - Salsa sensations DLG, N'Klabe and up-and-coming
       star Daniel Santa Cruz will provide the musical backdrop for a day that
       celebrates Latino arts, music, food and culture.  Top professional
       dance teams, including Atrium, La Luna, Fuego, Art in Motion and
       Bilongo Loco Dancers, will perform a hip-swaying Tribute to Salsa.  In
       addition, the NBA Nation tour bus will roll into town with interactive
       games, videos of the 50 greatest NBA plays and other hands-on
       activities.  Festival goers will also have a chance to meet Latino
       baseball stars and participate in the Mas Domino exhibition.  July 3,
       2:00-8:30 p.m.  Benjamin Franklin Parkway

    -- Independence Day Ceremony - It all began right here at Independence
       Hall.  On July 4, Mayor Nutter will lead patriotic ceremonies that
       commemorate the achievements of our 18th-century forefathers and honor
       21st-century students for their accomplishments.  Musical performances
       and entertainers will add a lively touch, but it is the powerful
       reading of the Declaration of Independence that is the true highlight
       of this commemorative event.  10:00 a.m.  5th & Chestnut Streets

    -- Taste of Philadelphia - Local restaurateurs will set up along the Great
       Plaza at Penn's Landing and serve sample sizes of everything from
       traditional Philly hoagies and cheesesteaks to the
       international-inspired menus that have put the city on the culinary
       map.  July 5, 11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.; July 6, 12:00 noon-6:00 p.m.
       Columbus Boulevard at Chestnut Street, (215) 629-3200

    -- Super Scooper All-You-Can-Eat Ice Cream Festival - Ice cream lovers can
       feast on as much of their favorite cold, creamy treat as they'd like.
       All it takes is a $5 donation to the Joshua Kahan Fund to indulge in
       ice cream and traditional Philly water ice from top brands.  July 4,
       12:00 noon-6:00 p.m.; July 5, 12 noon-9:00 p.m.; July 6,
       12:00 noon-6:00 p.m.  Great Plaza at Penn's Landing, Columbus Boulevard
       at Chestnut Street, (215) 629-3200

Visitors celebrating America's birthday in its birthplace can take advantage of the Philly's More Summer Fun Hotel Package, which pairs a two-night hotel stay with a $50 gift card from American Express. The package is available at more than 30 hotels and is bookable online at http://www.gophila.com/summerfun.

For more information about these events and for a look at the full nine-day schedule, visit http://www.americasbirthday.com.

Sunoco Welcome America! is a multi-day festival that celebrates America's birthday in America's birthplace and is produced by Welcome America, Inc.

The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) makes Philadelphia and The Countryside(R) a premier destination through marketing and image building that increases business and promotes the region's vitality. For more information about travel to Philadelphia, visit http://www.gophila.com or call the Independence Visitor Center, located in Independence National Historical Park, at (800) 537-7676.