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Before a thunderstorm paused festivities for several hours, the One Philly: Unity Concert for America drew thousands of people to Benjamin Franklin Parkway — despite scorching temperatures Saturday — to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.
Attendees were instructed to seek shelter around 8:45 p.m. after the National Weather Service issued thunderstorm warnings, which forecasted lightning, torrential rain and wind gusts up to 60 mph. The warning came just before The Roots were scheduled to take the stage. Christina Aguilera, Meek Mill and Will Smith were also still scheduled to perform.
The show eventually resumed around 12:45 a.m. to a full crowd, followed by a fireworks display over the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
The rain followed Philadelphia’s third straight day of temperatures at or above 101 degrees, according to the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, marking the third time a similar streak has occurred.
Concert organizers added water refill stations along the parkway as well as water misting stations, where people stood or ran under to get a brief reprieve from the heat.
“I’m glad they did that, because I think otherwise, we wouldn’t make it till 11:45 p.m,” said Becky Schoonover, who came in with her 7-year-old twins and another family to watch the concert and late-night fireworks.
Philadelphia Fire Department ambulances and medic teams were also stationed along the perimeter of the area. At least a couple of people were transported to medical tents before the concert began at 5 p.m.
Despite the heat, thousands celebrated on the Parkway for America’s 250th
The concert, which came with a $15.5 million price tag according to the Philadelphia Inquirer, saw crowds pack around the stage outside the Museum of Art, which was decorated with a Liberty Bell light structure for the occasion.
Khenti Iyi wanted to soak up the positive energy after checking out the nearby FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill.
“I feel like there are a lot of things to celebrate in our country. The people working, the immigrants that we have, you know, the boots on the ground,” Iyi said. “The people who are trying to keep our country from falling apart.”
