PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The threat of severe weather Tuesday briefly interrupted the annual Wawa Welcome America festival on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway — but concertgoers didn’t let the delay rain on their parade.
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The security gates weren’t open long Tuesday afternoon before crowds of people packed onto the Parkway, set down blankets, and enjoyed all the offerings from the food from trucks lining the streets.
"It’s a lot of people out here. It’s really colorful and diverse and exciting," said Ryan Thompson of Cheltenham. "This is my first time here, and I don’t know what to expect."
Thompson and his girlfriend were among the hundreds who got a taste of the unexpected when storms rolled through the region, bringing a downpour that forced organizers to ask people to leave.
But after the rain, it wasn’t long before the massive line of people was back — eager, once again, to get the party started.
The downpour came and went, and soon, a massive line of people was back — hoping the delay issued by organizers would lift so they could get the the party started.
Meanwhile, a community of strangers formed around a pop-up double Dutch group that was generating some excitement.
"We were here, but then it started raining, so I went to the car. I said, 'Let me get my rope.' I carry my rope everywhere," said Antoinette Marshall of West Philly. Marshall is involved in Philly Girls Jump, a community group that spreads excitement about the game.
Marshall and others were able to rope people in. If they were shy or inexperienced, it didn’t matter. The crowd roared to cheer on and lift up every jumper who crossed into the swirling ropes.
"Double Dutch is something ... like, instant gratification," said Ariel Loudd, who was visiting Marshall from California. "Once you see it, it makes you happy, whether you're jumping or watching or recording."
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As everyone knows, the show must go on. The delay was lifted — and concertgoers were treated to a free show featuring Ludacris, Demi Lovato and Adam Blackstone before the annual fireworks show.
"I’m here to see my favorite. Ludacris. Oh my gosh, I love him. I love him. I love him. I love him," said Yolanda Smith of Brewerytown. She had her granddaughter, Lyric, with her.
"I feel excited, very happy, and I feel very grateful for my grandmom taking me here," the girl said.
Smith said she has moved away from Philadelphia three times in her life, but she always comes back, because something about the City of Brotherly Love keeps reeling her back in.
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