How to Enjoy the Weekend- Locally

Chestnut Hill 4th of July Celebration!

This year marks the 95th annual Fourth of July parade and Celebration in Chestnut Hill.  Families gather at the intersection of Devon Street and Hartwell Lane for a recitation and flag raising at 9:00 a.m., followed by children parading down Hartwell Lane to the Water Tower Center (a nice short route for the littlest).  Participants are encouraged to arrive in costumes and on floats, decorated bicycles, tricycles and wagons. Numerous prizes will be awarded to the best decorations in a number of categories.  (I have to say, my kids were VERY impressed by the cash prizes last year!)  Following the parade, the Water Tower’s ball fields will be filled with games and contests for children (more prizes!).  Also look for pony rides, face painting, a giant moon bounce and a magician.  Lunch from 11-12:30.  Generously sponsored by the Chestnut Hill Bocce Club and free to all.  


Saturday is Out on a Limb's Second Birthday at the Morris Arboretum.  

Can you believe it?  Our netty little baby is officially a toddler!  Celebrate one of the coolest Arboretum exhibits ever with crafts, birthday cake, and a glimpse at the Garden Railway's Circus Week.

Ring In Freedom and Independence this July 4th in Historic Germantown
Five sites that were actually here in 1776 will come together for a day of activities in celebration and remembrance of our nation's independence from 11AM- 4PM:

"Activities begin at Stenton, located at 4601 North 18th Street, from 11AM-1PM. Bring a picnic lunch and meet Deborah Norris Logan, mistress of Stenton from 1784-1839, and listen to her experience of hearing the Declaration of Independence read for the first time. Other activities include making your own ice cream and a flag fan craft.

Continue your celebration with a tour of Hood Cemetery. Formerly the Lower Burying Ground, this cemetery was founded in 1692 and is the resting place of 41 Revolutionary War soldiers. The site is located at 4901 Germantown Avenue and will be open for tours from 11 AM - 1 PM.

Visitors can also explore Philadelphia's only Revolutionary War battle site, Cliveden, located at 6401 Germantown Avenue. Visit with 'Richard Allen', born enslaved to Cliveden's Chew Family, from 1 - 2 PM. Tours of the house and newly opened servant's quarters will be available from 12 - 4 PM.

At 2PM, the Concord School & Upper Burying Ground will host their 7th annual Bell Ringing Ceremony. The tradition of ringing the bell once for each year since 1776 began in the 18th century and was revived in 2005. The Concord School & Upper Burying Ground is located at 6309 Germantown Avenue and will be open for tours from 12-4PM.

Conclude your day's activities at the Johnson House Historic Site, located at 6306 Germantown Avenue. See a performance by 'Richard Allen' at 2:30 PM and tour this surviving Underground Railroad Station. Tours will be available from 12 - 4 PM.

All events are FREE and open to the public".

Speaking of the 4th.... where's the best place to watch fireworks?  I'm guessing downtown is the hottest show, but where else do GAP readers go to check out the big sparklers in the sky?