PHILADELPHIA, June 16, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Party at Penn's Landing on Friday, July 2nd, 2004! It's not a summer holiday weekend in Philadelphia without a block party. This, after all, is the town that gave the world the Sound of Philadelphia: Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, the O'Jays, the Spinners, and the Delfonics. So the city always celebrates the Fourth of July in grand style with a touch of soul. As Philadelphians all over the city hold block parties in their neighborhoods, everyone is invited to join in as Penn's Landing hosts a blockbuster of a block party with three events that make an all day jam with food, festivities, and funky music on the riverfront.
Kid's Day Friday, July 2, Festival Pier at Penn's Landing Columbus Boulevard and Spring Garden Street, Noon -- 5:00 p.m. Sponsored by Penn's Landing Corporation, Mike and Ike, Herr's and Radio Disney
Holidays are the perfect time for family gatherings and tons of fun and freedom for the children. This event gives kids, age 13 and under, the opportunity to create their own Fourth of July celebration with a colorful array of games and activities designed to educate and entertain. There'll be a special appearance by Radio Disney cast members at the AM640 Radio Disney Tent where kids can win lots of prizes. Other activities include face painting, strolling puppeteers, and the chance to dress up as police officers, firefighters, doctors, and other professionals. Naturally, there'll be plenty of food including mountains of ice cream.
Go 4th & Learn! at Kid's Day Friday, July 2, Festival Pier at Penn's Landing Columbus Boulevard and Spring Garden Street, 1:00 p.m. Sponsored by Aramark and The Hospitals and Higher Education Authority of Philadelphia
As part of the ongoing series during Sunoco Welcome America!, there'll be a special reading during Kid's Day designed to encourage a love of books in children and youth. We want our kids to know that one of the sweetest sounds of liberty is the sound and power of the written word. This reading will culminate five days of dramatic readings for children in neighborhoods throughout the city.
Philly's Dance Party Friday, July 2, Great Plaza at Penn's Landing 3:00 p.m. -- 7:00 p.m. Sponsored by Dunkin' Donuts, WOGL, WJJZ, Sunny 104.5 and WDAS-FM
This is a town of many cultures but the beat brings everyone together. Here's a chance to experience that full spectrum all at once with four separate parties featuring local DJs spinning everything from Latin styles to Ballroom sounds to Motown and rock 'n' roll. It's a great way to ease into the weekend or to check out something totally new. And for those who really feel the urge to experiment, there'll be plenty of dance instructors on hand to demonstrate the latest steps.
Penn's Landing Concert Friday, July 2, Great Plaza at Penn's Landing, 7:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Sponsored by Dunkin' Donuts and WDAS-FM
In the R&B of the 70s, The Sound of Philadelphia found its place in America's music scene and disco was at the top of the charts. This show features two of the best groups from that disco-dancing era. Headliners Rose Royce started as proteges of legendary Temptations producer Norman Whitfield before breaking through with the 1976 soundtrack to the hit movie, Car Wash. The film's theme song was a Number One pop smash and they followed it up with a truly impressive run of hits including "I Wanna Get Next to You" and "Do Your Dance." GQ was equally successful, breaking biggest with the 1979 Top Twenty pop hit "Disco Nights (Rock-Freak)" as well as their remake of the Billy Stewart classic, "I Do Love You." For some, these bands may evoke fond "old school" memories. But for everyone they'll prove that good times are always as close as good music.
Waterfront Fireworks Extravaganza Presented by the Battleship New Jersey Museum Friday, June 2, Great Plaza at Penn's Landing 9:30 p.m. Fireworks' music simulcast by WXTU
As if these acts didn't provide enough pyrotechnics, the skies will then be lit up with "the rockets' red glare." It's a world-class fireworks display that will look great from either side of the Delaware. And the band plays on with a simulcast that accompanies the skyworks and can be heard at on any portable radio. In all, it's the perfect end to a wonderful day and an even better start to a fantastic weekend.
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