Jim Gardner appears as surprise guest at Philadelphia Visitor Center's pep rally in Center City

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The Philadelphia Visitor Center kicked off what's sure to be its biggest summer tourism season yet.

And they brought in a special guest who Action News viewers know very well.

Legendary Action News Anchor Jim Gardner was part of Monday's Phambassador on Deck Pep Rally at Independence Mall.

Jim spoke about the significance of America 250 celebrations in the very city where our nation was founded and how we can use the ideas forged here by our founding fathers to create a better future.

The high-energy event served as the launch for new initiatives designed to welcome millions of visitors to the city this year.