Today’s Wawa Welcome America events were focused on the city’s investment in recreation centers, parks and playgrounds through the Rebuild program. NBC10’s Frances Wang was in Olney where events were moved inside due to the poor air quality but still went on at the Cherashore Playground.
Whether you wanted to dive into a new book or play games with the family, Day 11 of the Wawa Welcome America festival had you covered.
Here were all of the free events that took place on Thursday, June 29, 2023:
Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia Community Day
What: Attendees ate free hot dogs while enjoying games, entertainment and more at Cherashore Playground Recreation Center located in North Philadelphia. The event was hosted by Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia, which merged with Jefferson Health back in 2021.
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Attendees also enjoyed free samples of Rita's cherry lemonade water ice - the official flavor of the festival.
The event was moved indoors due to unhealthy air quality. Attendees still had plenty of free fun.
When: The party began at 4 p.m. and concluded around 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 29.
Where: Cherashore Playground Recreation Center, 851 W Olney Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19120
Kicking off summer with Comcast
What: Comcast teamed with Wawa Welcome America for a party that featured classic boardwalk games and activities. There was plenty of summer-themed décor and participation from Tastykake and UTZ.
Where: Comcast Technology Center Concourse
When: The summer fun went from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on June 29, 2023
Free admission to the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts
What: People got inspired at the first art museum and school in the United States. The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (PAFA) contains several collections, exhibitions, and programs that work to educate artists to be critical thinkers and innovative creators, all while telling the story of American art. People got to check out the 51-foot "Paint Torch" and works from Thomas Eakins.
When: Visitors enjoyed free admission from 10 a.m. through 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 29.
Where: 118-128 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Free admission to the National Liberty Museum
What: People stopped by the National Liberty Museum as they had an early celebration of Independence Day. People explored several exhibitions on a self-guided tour and take the opportunity to donate to ring the authentic replica of the Liberty Bell.
When: Free admission began at 10 a.m. and ended at 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 29.
Where: 321 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Check out the Free Library of Philadelphia
What: The Free Library of Philadelphia is home to one of the largest public library special collections in the United States. People feasted their eyes on a medieval manuscript from the Library's Rare Book department. The department holds thousands of historical books, manuscripts and art dating back thousands of years.
When: The library was open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 29.
Where: 1901 Vine St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
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