Semiquincentennial parade canceled due to heat, Pops on Independence still on
”I get it — no one wants the liability. But are we just going to cancel everything?" a hopeful party attendee said on Facebook.
Wawa’s Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade is canceled due to high temperatures, according to organizers.
The parade was set to start Friday at noon after a delay was already announced Thursday.
The Pops concert Friday night, featuring Idina Menzel, is still on, according to Wawa Welcome America.
» READ MORE: Idina Menzel joins Philly orchestra for free Pops concert on Independence Mall
While some Facebook users understood the expected over 100 degree weather could put people at risk, others felt strongly about the lack of celebration.
“What a disappointment for not only those of us who had hoped to watch, but also for the bands and other marchers who have come from all across the U.S.” one user commented. ”I get it — no one wants the liability. But are we just going to cancel everything?”
Another added, “It’s the 250th in the Birthplace of Freedom, and we’re just canceling parades because it’s warm,” leaving people to argue and point out that it wasn’t simply a warm day in Philadelphia, but a dangerous heat advisory.
Friday’s high is expected to break records in Philadelphia, with the anticipated minimum high of 104 last met in 1966 — when the nation was a mere 190 years old.
» READ MORE: Philly declares a heat emergency and Welcome America alters events as 100-degree temperatures loom
Experts say this is different and riskier than warm days in past Julys.
Over the past 85 years, Julys in Philadelphia are running on average 4.4 degrees warmer than in 1940, based on an analysis of historical weather data. That translates to an increase of about 0.52 degrees per decade.
The city on Tuesday declared a “heat health emergency” in effect from 1 p.m. Wednesday through 8 p.m. Saturday. Across the Northeast, outdoor events are being rescheduled or canceled, citing the heat. Those events range from other America 250 events to local farmers’ markets.
Friday’s parade would have featured elaborate, giant floats paying tribute to America, including larger-than-life recreations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Harriet Tubman, a peace dove, and a Liberty Bell.
Inquirer staff writer Anthony R. Wood contributed to this report.
