2nd Street Festival keeps America's 250th Anniversary celebrations going in Northern Liberties

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The annual 2nd Street Festival is back.

The massive block party took over Philadelphia's Northern Liberities neighborhood Sunday.

This year, the community celebration features music, food, and fun bigger than ever to keep America's 250th anniversary festivities going.

"Really excited about 250. Being part of the celebration. We have a little bit of extra circusy things. Stilt walkers coming," said Festival Co-Founder and Standard Tap Co-Owner, William Reed. "I think, probably be about 40,000 people here; that's what we're kind of guessing."

The festival kicked off under sunny skies.

More than 250 participating vendors, food trucks and restaurants stretched the 14-blocks from Girard Avenue to Spring Garden Street.

"It's just Philly. Philly vibes we show up even if it's hot, rain, sleet, everyone's got a drink and they're ready to party," said Cari Shappell, the Owner of Sow & Sew Retail Truck.

This is the 16th year of the event and it still holds title of largest and longest summer festival in the city.

People come from all over for the experience and to see all Northern Liberties has to offer.

"We love it, we have never been here before. My first time in Philadelphia. Really sick places here. Festival's great," said one festival goer.

"Love the neighborhood, it's great. Great way for people to come in and meet some of our local businesses on 2nd Street and a whole bunch of other people that come in here too. One of the highlights of the summer," said Tony and Mindy Rowe of Northern Liberties.