Washington Crossing Park To Join Philly's 250th Welcome America Celebration

UPPER MAKEFIELD, PA — Washington Crossing Historic Park will join the celebration when Philadelphia pulls out all the stops on July 3 for the Wawa Welcome America Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade, the largest professionally produced 250th parade in the nation.

This week, the park announced that its Fifes and Drums Corps, along with General George Washington (portrayed by John Godzieba) and re-enactors from the 5th Pennsylvania Regiment, will be joining the parade. The park will also be sending one of its large Durham Boats.

Washington Crossing Historic Park, located along the Delaware River in Bucks County, marks the location of Washington's famous Christmas night crossing of the Delaware River, a military maneuver that marked a turning point in the American Revolution.

(Washington Crossing Historic Park)

Philadelphia's parade is expected to include "250 vibrant parade elements representing all 50 states and U.S. territories" and "50 marching bands (including the Crossing's Fifes and Drums) filling the streets" with music.

Spectators can also expect to see "elaborate floats, military units and cultural showcases" as the parade follows a "spectacular route through historic Philadelphia."

The parade will step off at 5th & Chestnut Streets, passing Independence Hall, traveling down Market Street, circling City Hall, continuing along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, looping around Logan Circle, and concluding at Broad and Chestnut streets.

The parade's description frames the event as both a historical tribute and a public celebration tied to the national milestone. "From the past to the present and into the future, this unforgettable parade will honor 250 years of American history," the park said.