Go Fourth
The city that invented liberty knows how to celebrate it
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[ celebrate!]
In 1776, a bunch of sweaty guys wearing wigs holed up in a crowded room on Chestnut Street to sign a paper that created a country. They didn't choose Boston or New York or Charleston as ground zero for liberty. Nope, they chose Philadelphia — and we've got a giant cracked bell and an Independence Hall to prove it. The birthplace of American independence isn't just limited to a night of fireworks and "America the Beautiful" — expect multi-day celebrations including Speedo parties, Guinness world record attempts and lots of ol' fashioned fun.
What better way to prepare for the Fourth than to learn the about the finer points of important holiday staples? The Chemical Heritage Foundation's First Friday hosts workshops on producing things like fireworks and a spark fountain. Fri., July 2, 1 p.m.-8 p.m., free, Chemical Heritage Foundation, 315 Chestnut St., 215-925-2222, chemicalheritage.org.
Lucky gays. They can avoid the tourists and head to the Poconos, where on the Fourth, the less clothes the better. Speedos are recommended attire for the weekend. On the eve of the Big Day, head to the Black Bulb Party — neon body paint and bright clothes are a must. Drag diva Sherry Vine performs her comedy routine the next night. Can breeders come too? Black Bulb Party, Sat., July 3, 8 p.m., $5; Sherry Vine standup, Sun., July 4, 10:30 p.m., $5, Rainbow Mountain Resort Nightclub, 210 Mt. Nebo Road, East Stroudsburg, 570-223-8484.
Is it unpatriotic to watch the ultimate European bike race on the Fourth of July? We won't tell anyone. Worse comes to worst, you can always check out the Farmers Market at 10 a.m., or cheer super loud for America and Lance. Sun., July 4, 8:30 a.m., free, Piazza at Schmidts, 1050 N. Hancock St., 215-467-4603, atthepiazza.com.
Still not feelin' the patriotic vibe? Embrace your inner rebel and check out this '80s feminist film about a new age revolution. Sun., July 4, 7:30 p.m., Wooden Shoe Books, 704 South St., 215- 413-0999, woodenshoebooks.com.
Jam out to The Roots, Chrisette Michele, Chuck Brown and headliners the Goo Goo Dolls (please, don't pretend you don't know all of the words to "Iris"). Of course, fireworks will follow the concert. Welcome America Executive Director Melanie Johnson said about 600,000 watched fireworks last year. Similar numbers are anticipated this year. Sun., July 4, 8 p.m., free, Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Eakins Oval, 215-683-2200.
DJ Shawn T, DJ Bruce Parson and AJ the DJ will work three party rooms to ensure that all tastes are accommodated; oldies might play in one room, with club music or line dancing jams in the next. Philly band UGO and Delaware's To the Max will perform as well. No bummin' it either — dress code is "upscale summer casual." Sun., July 4, 7 p.m., $30, Hamilton Manor, 30 Route 156, Hamilton, NJ, 215-906-6314.
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