What You Need To Know About Philly's Stripes And Stars Festival
By Chelsea Lacey-Mabe
If you're dying to break out your red, white and blue before July 4, you can join in the festivities at the Stripes and Stars Festival on Tuesday, June 14.
Celebrating the birthdays of the American flag and the U.S. Army, the event features spots throughout Philly's historic district where people can enjoy patriotic festivities for $5 or less.
National Constitution Center
525 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Start off the day at the newly renovated Sydney Kimmel Theater at the National Constitution Center to hear Freedom Rising. Performances start at 9:30 a.m. and run every half-hour through 4 p.m.
At 10:30, a 50-Star Flag is raised, followed by a parade to Independence Hall.
The U.S. Army Fife and Drum Performances start at 1:45 p.m. to help celebrate the Army's 241st birthday, followed by a flag folding at 2.
From 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. families can take part in Macy's Family Day featuring arts and crafts, lawn games and educational programs focused on the history of the American flag for a $5 admission.
Betsy Ross House
239 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Just a six minute walk away from the Constitution Center sits the Betsy Ross House where there will be a 13-Star Flag Raising at 10 a.m., commemorating the original American flag.
Then at 1, people are invited to witness 13 new American citizens take the Oath of Allegiance during a Naturalization Ceremony. Every year crowds gather to welcome the new Americans by joining with them in saying the Pledge of Allegiance.
Independence Hall
520 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
The original act that established the flag of the United States and the Congress' resolution that established the U.S. Army will be read during the Stars and Stripes Opening Ceremony which starts at 11 a.m. The readings will be followed up with a cutting of the Army birthday cake!
The U.S. Army Fife and Drum Performances begin at Independence Hall at 2:45 to help celebrate their 241 st birthday, followed by a flag folding at 3.
Independence Mall
525 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. families can stop by Independence Mall for the Stripes and Stars Community Fair for free! Veterans organizations and museums will have dozens of special displays and activities to enjoy.
Make sure you look to the sky at 12 p.m. The Fastrax Professional Skydiving Team will be above Independence Mall (weather permitting) to show off what they got. The Independence National Historical Park will also be broadcasting the team's display live on Periscope.
Independence Visitors Center
1 N Independence Mall W
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Catch the U.S. Army Fife and Drum Performances at the Visitor's Center at 12:45 p.m. to help celebrate their 241st birthday.
Christ Church Burial Ground
20 N. American Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. adults can explore the historical burial grounds for a $2 admission and kids can get in for just $1. A Benjamin Franklin meet-and-greet will be held from noon to 3 and visitors can go on special history hunts throughout the day.
More information about the day can be found at constitutioncenter.org/stripesandstars.
