Authored By: The Circuit Trails | July 1, 2016

Summer is in full swing as we quickly approach one of the best holidays of the season; the Fourth of July. What better way to say “Happy Birthday!” to America than barbeques, fireworks, and spending time outdoors in the sun? While you’re busy putting together the perfect red, white and blue outfit, we took some time to find three patriotic ways to enjoy the holiday on the Circuit Trails. Look no further for your July Fourth celebration plans!

FOR THE PATRIOTIC:

Take the scenic route to a star-spangled celebration along the Delaware River! If you’re starting in Philadelphia, travel on the Circuit via the Ben Franklin Pedestrian Walkway by bike or foot. As you cross the bridge and enter New Jersey, you can connect to a second trail, the Ulysses Wiggins Waterfront Park Promenade. Small but mighty, the trail is an easy 1.3 miles but packs in plenty of activities to help you celebrate America’s independence.  If you bring the kids along for the journey, make a stop at Camden’s Children’s Garden for a bit of outdoor fun. Or, take the kids (and kids at heart) to the Camden Adventure Aquarium. No matter what you decide on, plan your day to ensure you stick around for the Camden Freedom Festival from 5 – 10 p.m. at the Camden Waterfront. The 4^th annual festival is free and will feature a kick-off salute to America’s veterans, a concert by popular recording artist Michael McDonald, the South Jersey Beer and Wine Garden, and more. Finally, the night will conclude with a fireworks display that can’t be beat. Featuring a backdrop including the Philadelphia skyline and the Battleship New Jersey (America’s most decorated naval vessel!), it simply doesn’t get more patriotic than that.

For more information about the Camden Freedom Festival, visit Camden Waterfront’s website.

FOR THE MUSIC LOVER:

There is never a shortage of concerts and festivals in the region, and this Independence Day is no exception. From June 28 – July 4, Wawa Welcome America! will take over the city with free events, concerts, and three (yes, three!) fireworks shows. On July 4, music lovers from all over the city should take advantage of the Schuylkill River Trail. Beat the car traffic and travel by bike or foot towards the Benjamin Franklin Parkway for one of the largest free outdoor music festivals in the country: Wawa Welcome America! This free day-long celebration is not to be missed. Running from 12 – 10 p.m., the festival is absolutely packed with talent. Headliner Leon Bridges will take the stage, as well as Leslie Odom Jr., who you may recognize from the smash Broadway musical, Hamilton. Yazz the Greatest from Fox TV’s Empire and the Philly POPS will also perform throughout the day. At 10 p.m., experience a fireworks display accompanied by a powerful soundtrack that will take you on a journey from 1776 to 2016, as the sky over the Philadelphia Museum of Art becomes the stage for America’s independence story.  

Check out all of the Wawa Welcome America! 2016 events here.

Photo from VisitPhilly.com

FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY:

For residents in Delaware County, the Radnor Trail is a tranquil, wooded path perfect for a casual stroll with the family. The 2.4-miles of paved pathway with plenty of shade make for an enjoyable outing safe from the summer sun. From the end of the trail, it’s just about another half mile to Radnor High School, which will be holding its much-anticipated Radnor High School Scholarship Fund Fireworks Show on July 4. The always-popular event features music, food, and children’s games, plus an obstacle course and moon bounce prior to the fireworks. The event is ticketed and sales benefit a scholarship fund awarded to 30 students each year, so your admission price goes towards a good cause. Gates open at 6:30 p.m., so plan your time on the trail accordingly. At dusk, enjoy the fireworks display – which is promised to be “bigger and better than ever” this year! As always, make sure to have proper bike lights, reflective gear and helmets for your travels home.

For more information on the event, and where to buy advance tickets, visit the Radnor Township School District website.