PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Philly is kicking off its Independence Day festivities a few days early. Fireworks lit up the sky along the Delaware River Waterfront Saturday night.
“The weather is great and I think this is the perfect setting to kick off the Fourth of July weekend,” said Sheega Abraham, who was visiting Philly with her family from North Jersey.
At Penn’s Landing, families also enjoyed a free patriotic concert by the United States Army Band.
“This is a beautiful atmosphere, it’s a great place to be and I’m so glad this band came from Washington, DC to play here in Philadelphia because this is where it all started,” said Jonathan Adams, who lives in Northeast Philadelphia.
“It’s really nice, we have some cool air, which is great right now, but just the music in the back sets the mood,” Christian Hankerson said.
Earlier in the evening, the crowd danced to the beat on Broad Street. Live music and games took over the Avenue of the Arts Block Party, part of Philly’s 16 Days Wawa Welcome America celebration.
Lucille West and her family come every year.
“The orchestra was the best, but also all the vendors they have here, and all the entertainment they have here,” West said.
The Power Surge Performing Arts Center also put on a show for the crowd with a slam dunk contest.
Brian Gerra attended the block party with his classmates from Drexel University.
“It’s a bit warm outside, but I really like walking around. It would be nice if it was five degrees cooler, but the shade and the breeze make it perfect,” Gerra said.
A perfect spot for patriotism and Philly pride was on display throughout the city.
The weather cooperated for the fireworks display, but many families we spoke to said they were not looking forward to temperatures above 10 degrees Celsius and possible severe storms on Sunday.
