Visitors sample hot dogs and history as holiday gets under way

It was a hot-dog-delicious, good day for Rita Schaeffer and two of her children, who enjoyed free gourmet beef franks yesterday during the Independence Picnic, which kicked off the Fourth of July weekend.

Schaeffer, 43, and her children, ages 11 and 14, are living at the Salvation Army Eliza Shirley House, a shelter in North Philadelphia. Besides the free hot dogs, quality time with her family was on her mind.

"We're just having fun and learning things while we're doing it," Schaeffer said. "I didn't get to do these things last year, so we're doing it this year.

"I want to have a nice time with my kids. Plus, they get to learn some history."

The Hot Dog Day event, courtesy of Dietz & Watson, was part of the 10-day Wawa Welcome America festival, which draws people from around the country to celebrate the Fourth of July.

Robert Axlund, 59, of Sheridan, Wyo., is a part of the 7th Calvary Drum and Bugle Corps, set to march in the parade tomorrow at 11 a.m.

"I love Philly, and I love the people here," said Axlund, a first-time visitor.

"I see why they call it the City of Brotherly Love."

Donnell Bold, 27, will be showing his community love this holiday weekend along with other members of the Integrity Church Ministries in North Philadelphia during an outreach event.

He said the church planned to distribute food and host games and activities for all age groups.

Besides that, he said, "I'm gonna get three more hot dogs and then go," adding that he would try to see the fireworks this weekend over the Delaware River.

For Ohioan-turned-Philadelphian Kelly Williams, 24, this may be the most memorable Fourth of July of her life: She's getting married tomorrow.

The bride-to-be was with her mother, sister and brother, who traveled from Ohio for Williams' special day.

"I love it," Williams said of her new home.

"We're gonna go see as much as we can," which she said includes a visit to the beach.