Remember to watch the 2009 State Farm Home Run Derby tonight at 8:00 p.m. on ESPN and MLB.com. The Phillies All-Star First Baseman Ryan Howard has returned to his home town and what will likely be many fans on hand to compete against some of the game's biggest sluggers. Here are this year's contestants:
Carlos Pena - Tampa Bay Rays
Brandon Inge - Detroit Tigers
Nelson Cruz - Texas Rangers
Joe Mauer - Minnesota Twins
Ryan Howard - Philadelphia Phillies
Albert Pujols - St. Louis Cardinals
Adrian Gonzalez - San Diego Padres
Prince Fielder - Milwaukee Brewers
Three Philadelphia Phillies have made the 2009 All Star Game: Chase Utley and Raul Ibanez will be starters at second base and in the outfield. First baseman Ryan Howard was named by manager Charlie Manuel as a backup and he will also participate in next Monday's Home Run Derby.
It is now up to you to ensure that Phillies outfielder Shane Victorino will also make the team as the winner of the final fans vote.
Go to mlb.com and cast your vote for Shane.
Independence Day Ceremony
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Independence Hall
520 Chestnut Street
Join Mayor Michael A. Nutter and other dignitaries at Independence Hall for a ceremony filled with performances honoring America’s 233rd birthday.
Independence Day Parade
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Historic Philadelphia
Back in Historic Philadelphia for the first time in 18 years, the 2009 Independence Day parade will feature a tapestry of parade elements from around the nation, including Radio Disney recording artist Joey Page, Philadelphia’s own Lauren Hart, marching bands, drum and bugle corps, re-enactment organizations, antique cars, fire departments, cultural organizations, active military, floats and more.
Super Scooper All-You-Can-Eat Ice Cream Festival
12:00 noon – 5:00 p.m.
Penn’s Landing
Columbus Boulevard at Walnut Street
Ice cream lovers can indulge in as much of their favorite cold, creamy treat as they like at Penn’s Landing. Fill those bellies up with just a $5 donation to the Joshua Kahan Fund and have unlimited access to delicious flavors from Ben & Jerry’s, Häagen-Dazs, Edy’s, Breyers/Good Humor, Bassett’s, Turkey Hill, Jack & Jill, Philadelphia Water Ice and others.
Party on the Parkway
12:00 noon – 6:00 p.m.
Benjamin Franklin Parkway
The Party on the Parkway kicks off at noon, with a day-long roster of food, games, entertainment and activities for the whole family. This year, there are tons of fun with attractions such as:
- Go 4th & Learn Pavilion
- Aussie Experience -- live, indigenous Australian animals and edutainment
- Please Touch Museum
- Philadelphia Zoo - animals and edutainment from America’s first zoo
- Inflatable rides
- Sand art
- Face painting
- Mobile children’s theater
- MHP Liberty Strongman Classic
- Sound of Philadelphia Stage
- Afternoon performance by Disney recording artist Joey Page and Ashlee Keating
- Green Zone
- Salsa Dance Contest
- Day-long multicultural performances
- Make-and-take arts and crafts
- Food vendors
Happy Birthday America
12:30 p.m.
Independence Visitor Center
6th and Market Streets
Sample one of Philly’s favorite treats at the Independence Visitor Center and celebrate America’s birthday in America’s birthplace.
Bell Tapping Ceremony
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Liberty Bell Center
500 Market Street
Gather around the Liberty Bell as descendants of those who signed the Declaration of Independence ceremonially tap the bell.
Sunoco Welcome America! "Life, Liberty, and You" Concert & Fireworks
8:00 p.m.
Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Eakins Oval
The excitement begins when Philly’s hometown band The Roots takes the stage to show why they are unmatched when it comes to live hip hop music. Next up, Sheryl Crow woos the crowd with her hit-making sound and keeps it building right up to the jaw-dropping fireworks display that makes Philadelphia the best place to celebrate Independence Day (telecast on ABC).
Debut of PECO L.E.D. Crown Lights
On the evening of July 4th, be sure to look toward the sky for the debut of PECO's new, energy-efficient L.E.D. Crown Lights system! The PECO Crown Lights will dazzle crowds with an all-new preview highlighting Philadelphia favorites that make the city a spectacular place to live.