Welcome America Block Party in Old City

OLD CITY (WPVI) -- A block party was the main attraction for locals and those visiting the birthplace of America Monday evening.

The party began at noon and ended with the Philly Pops annual performance in front of independence hall.

The Philly Pops played in front of a packed Independence Mall.

They opened with the Star Spangled Banner, just a feet from where America began.

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney said, "This is where America started, real stuff it's not made up."

Mayor Kenney was proud to show off the city tonight.

The busy day began with a block party in the Historic District. Food trucks and musical acts took over the Old City section of Philadelphia.

The Kimmel Center showcased some of their upcoming Broadway plays, but it's the city's historic landmarks also luring out of towners.

"It just feels super historic, it's so weird. Our forefathers walked down these streets establishing our country," Jason Li of San Francisco, California said.

Elizabeth Zeck of Shanghai, China said, "We learned about it during school, so to see it here in real life it's kind of interesting."

Eleanor Lord of England, gave her granddaughter a history lesson.

She told her 9-year-old granddaughter, Hannah Lea, "You know that this is where it was first signed the Declaration of Independence from Britain.

Locals are embracing the crowds, with tomorrow expected to draw many more.

"The beauty of it all is seeing so many people. The tourists from out of town, out of the country," David Ralston of South Philadelphia said.

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