A planned parade in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was canceled due to extreme heat expected on Friday. The event was intended to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Weather Conditions
The National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly reported that temperatures at Philadelphia International Airport were forecasted to reach 104°F, marking the hottest temperature since July 3, 1966. In response, Philadelphia’s City Health Commissioner, Palak Raval-Nelson, extended an ongoing ‘Heat Health Emergency’ through 8 p.m. Sunday.
Event Details
Welcome America Inc., which organized the Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade, announced the cancellation due to public safety concerns. The parade was expected to feature floats and marching bands.
“Due to the extreme heat, the Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade is cancelled,” read a post from Welcome America Inc., shared by the city of Philadelphia.
Safety First
Michael DelBene, President and CEO of Welcome America Inc., emphasized that the safety of participants is the organization’s primary concern. DelBene expressed the disappointment felt by the team and collaborators, including Todd Marcocci and Under the Sun Productions, who had dedicated considerable effort to designing the parade.
“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,” DelBene stated.
Alex Nitzberg is a writer for Fox News Digital.
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