This week marks the 250th anniversary celebrations across the United States. In Philadelphia, however, a planned parade on Friday was canceled due to extreme heat. Welcome America Inc. announced the cancellation, and the City of Philadelphia shared the update.
“Due to the extreme heat, the Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade is cancelled,”
The National Weather Service for Philadelphia/Mount Holly highlighted that the temperature at Philadelphia International Airport was expected to reach 104° on Friday. It would be the highest since July 3, 1966.
The city’s Department of Public Health extended a “Heat Health Emergency” through 8 p.m. Sunday. Originally, the parade was to have included floats and marching bands.
Michael DelBene, President and CEO of Welcome America Inc., emphasized the priority of safety, stating, “As much as this decision pains everyone inside our organization, we simply cannot host an event of this size and scale under these dangerous heat conditions.”
Efforts were made by Todd Marcocci and Under the Sun Productions to prepare an historic event, making the cancellation disappointing.
DelBene added, “While large-scale celebrations and community events may be our mission, our first responsibility will always be to the safety and security of our staff, our guests, and our event participants.”
Alex Nitzberg contributes to this report for Fox News Digital.
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