Where to watch Wawa Welcome America concert, fireworks on TV

Fireworks fans who want to avoid the heat of summer of the crush of the crowd this Fourth of July can take in the Wawa Welcome America festivities on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway from the comfort of their own homes this year, courtesy of NBC10 and Telemundo62.

On July 4 this year, the networks will broadcast the Wawa Welcome America concert and fireworks live in their entireties from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., according to a release. In addition to tuning in on television, viewers can check the Party on the Parkway on the NBC10 and Telemundo62 websites, where the networks will also stream the concert and fireworks.

This year's performers include Mary J. Blige, Boyz II Men, the Philly POPS, and others. Reporting for the evening, meanwhile, will come from familiar faces including Keith Jones, Jim Rosenfield, Harry Hairston, Tammie Souza, and more.

In addition to the concert and fireworks, NBC10 and Telemundo 62 will also air the holiday's Medal of Freedom Ceremony and parade, which runs from 10 a.m. to noon on July 4. Vai Sikahema and Tracy Davidson will cover those events, according to a release.

Those who miss the initial broadcasts need not worry. The networks will rebroadcast the fireworks show and air select concert footage on Wednesday, July 5, and on Saturday, July 8 (7 p.m.) and Sunday, July 9 (6 p.m.).

This year's coverage plans for the Wawa Welcome America festivities are somewhat different from last year, when NBC10 took over broadcasting the festival from 6ABC. Viewers complained online when the network aired the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular in New York, rather than the spectacle on the Parkway — a "network decision," as NBC10 general manager Ric Harris explained.

For folks who will be heading into Center City to celebrate the Fourth, have no fear: We've got you covered. Plan your whole weekend with our handy guide, from free museum days to the Party on the Parkway.