Celebrate the Fourth of July at the Independence Visitor Center Free Events Throughout the Holiday Weekend

Philadelphia, PA, July 02, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Why not celebrate America’s most patriotic of weekends in the very place our nation was born? Located right in the heart of Independence Mall, the Independence Visitor Center is Philadelphia’s Fourth of July central, presenting a weekend full of Free events in celebration of America’s birthday. Beginning July 2 and continuing through July 5, visitors and residents can enjoy a diverse line-up of special events at the Visitor Center while stopping in for a quick snack and souvenirs. Events include:

Live Reading of the Declaration of Independence (Every day, July 2 – 5 at 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.): Twice a day throughout the holiday weekend there will be a colonial reenactment of the reading of the Declaration of Independence. The performance begins with a fife and drum marching procession and ends with a live theatrical reading of the Declaration – as it may have been in 1776.

“Independence Picnic” (July 2): Come and celebrate Dietz and Watson Hot Dog Day in Historic Philadelphia and meet Ben Franklin, Betsy Ross and a host of other historic characters. While you’re here, visit other uniquely Philadelphia attractions like the Independence Visitor Center and the National Constitution Center, all located in this remarkably historic area. Stick around for live music in the evening and the pre-opening of Liberty 360, the new 3-D, HD, 360-degree indoor show at the new Historic Philadelphia Center.

“Peter Nero and the Philly Pops! Perform on Independence Mall” (July 2 at 8:30 p.m.): Join the stylish, imaginative, fun and award-winning Peter Nero and the Philly Pops orchestra for an evening to remember. This free event takes place in front of Independence Hall and features music from classics to big band to rock ‘n roll.

“Happy Birthday America!” (July 4, 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.): During the Independence Visitor Center’s “Happy Birthday America!” event, 10,000 Tastykakes will be distributed inside the Independence Visitor Center. What a way to celebrate the nation’s birthday with Philadelphia’s rendition of birthday cake. First come, first served – so come early.

“Sweet Freedom” (July 5 at 12:00 p.m.): Join the Visitor Center for a bite of liberty! Come listen to a reading of the Declaration of Independence and colonial musicians playing fifes and drums. Afterwards, dig into a complimentary piece of their eight-foot birthday cake decorated with quotes from our founding fathers.

These are just some of the free events taking place this summer at the Independence Visitor Center, the official headquarters for information on attractions and events in Philadelphia and The Countryside®.

###

The Independence Visitor Center, located at 6th & Market Streets, across from the Liberty Bell, provides the region’s best event, touring, dining, lodging and attraction information to visitors and locals alike about Independence National Historical Park, the City of Philadelphia and the Countryside. Open daily at 8:30 a.m. seven days a week (with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.) For information, visit independencevisitorcenter.com or call 800.537.7676.