The big birthday takes place as a heat wave descends on our area, with a huge slate of outdoor activities in store.
"It's great walking by here every morning on my way to work with red, white, and blue everywhere. There's never been a better time to be in Philly," said Tim Rudloff, of Collingswood.
This week is jam-packed with festivities as the country turns 250.
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"I just live a block away from here so it's very exciting to have this happening in your own backyard, so to speak. The place looks great. They've been working so hard," said Barb Tambussi, of Washington Square.
"I'm a history buff, former teacher. Just retired this year and thought it was a perfect place to celebrate the 250th anniversary since it's kind of where it all began," said John Moore, who is visiting from Mesa, Arizona.
On Sunday night, gospel came to Independence Mall. Music filled Old City.
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"Sometimes we get together just to have big crowds, but this is a crowd with meaning so I'm excited about that," said Renee Hughes, of Germantown.
The concert was unfortunately cut short due to rain, but this week we will have to work with what Mother Nature gives us.
On Wednesday, Wawa Hoagie Day is back with a lunchtime giveaway at noon on in Independence Mall.
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Tony-winning performer Idina Menzel will appear at Pops on Independence on Friday.
Also on Friday, the National Constitution Center will award the 38th annual Liberty Medal to Pope Leo at an outdoor public ceremony. The Pope intends to deliver live acceptance remarks virtually from the Vatican.
The Fourth of July celebration concert on Saturday includes performances from a long list of stars including Christina Aguilera, Meek Mill, and Jill Scott.
"I just love that Philadelphia is getting to be really celebrated itself as being the birthplace of our country," said Tambussi.
The final World Cup being played in Philadelphia will also take place on Independence Day.