Philadelphia's Independence Day Parade route cut short due to extreme heat
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The city of Philadelphia is getting ready for the events planned to celebrate the country's 250th anniversary.
Inside the Pennsylvania Convention Center on Monday, crews were hard at work putting the finishing touches on the floats for "The Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade."
This year, the route was supposed to be expanded. It was set to take the floats, 42 marching bands, and other performers down the parkway to Logan Circle.
"The reality is that Mother Nature is Mother Nature," Todd Marcocci, the parade producer, told Action News. "From the get-go, in designing the original route, I had escape plans, shall we say."
Marcocci said the parade will now start at 5th and Chestnut, pass by Independence Hall, head up Market Street to City Hall, and end at Broad and Chestnut.
"The magic will still be well alive on the parade route," Marcocci said. "The tapestry of independence comes to life in this parade."
It will also be on full display on Independence Mall as the Philly Pops are joined by Broadway legend Idina Menzel for a concert on Friday night.
"I suspect with America's 250th birthday, Idina Menzel, and the Philly Pops, I suspect we'll get over 5,000 people." Matt Koveal, the executive director of The Philly Pops, told Action News.
Koveal said they will be offering water to concertgoers to help keep them hydrated during the 90-minute performance.
"We recommend dressing appropriately for the weather, wearing lightweight breathable clothing," Koveal added. "Make sure you listen to your body. If you begin to feel dizzy, lightheaded, unwell, move to a shaded area, hydrate, notify an event staff member."
Koveal said members of the Philly Pops are finding ways to stay safe in the heat, too.
"Making sure we're staying inside as much as possible until right before the performance. Sometimes musicians have little fans they put on their stands, which are great, so we might have them as well," he said.
