Brian Lobley, Independence EVP, chief operating officer, and president of health markets, gives remarks at the 2021 Wawa Welcome America press conference. Photo by HughE Dillon.
16-day festival returns in person, celebrates Juneteenth and July 4th
Independence Blue Cross (Independence) is proud to return for a third year as the official Health and Wellness Sponsor of Philadelphia’s annual Wawa Welcome America Festival. The 16-day festival, running from June 19 through July 4, features a lineup of in-person, free, multicultural, multigenerational activities taking place in various locations throughout Philadelphia.
The expanded line-up of programming includes the commemoration of Juneteenth. In partnership with the African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP) and Visit Philadelphia, the festival will explore the historical significance of both Juneteenth and July 4 with the AMMP free for all visitors on June 19 and 20.
Independence’s sponsorship of Wawa Welcome America will highlight the Well City Challenge, which was created to engage and support new creative ideas for addressing Philadelphia’s millennial health and mental health challenges. During the Festival, attendees can learn more about the Well City Challenge and the upcoming Well City Expo via digital messages at various events and on social media. As well, attendees can come together at the cross street in Center City for “Broad + Market: A Festival Experience Powered by NRG” to participate in activities designed to provide mental, emotional, and physical enrichment courtesy of Independence Blue Cross.
Additional highlights of the 2021 festival include beloved favorites like fireworks, movie nights, and complimentary museum access. The 16 days of events will conclude with the July 4th Concert starring Bebe Rexha and Flo Rida, and feature a performance by the Philly POPS – all on the Independence Blue Cross Stage at the Mann Center for Performing Arts. Following the concert, the traditional fireworks spectacular returns to the Ben Franklin Parkway.
NBC10 and TeleXitos will broadcast the concert and fireworks display in English and Spanish for viewers to enjoy from their homes.
Details about the 2021 Wawa Welcome America Festival were announced on June 2 during a press conference at the Mann Center for Performing Arts. Brian Lobley, executive vice president, chief operating officer, and president of Health Markets at Independence, participated in the press event and noted the work done by so many people – including the City of Philadelphia, the Welcome America Team, and the leadership at Wawa – to make an in-person event possible and safe.
Visit welcomeamerica.com to learn more.
Media contact:
Kathleen Conlon
267-918-8057 (cell)
Kathleen.Conlon@ibx.com