Independence Day at Independence Hall

What better place to spend the fourth of July than where it all happened 235 years ago?  Independence Day at Independence Hall!

And who better to spend it with than the very incarnations of white, blue and red themselves!  Carrie and Ellen invited us to the party.

There was speechifying.

There was singing by Miss America.

There was drumming and fife-ing.

There was high school marching band-age.

The parade was memorable as well.

There were famous people, like William Penn, and the lovely Mrs. Penn,

Abe Lincoln,

Smoky the Bear (I think he lives around here),

Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Bobba Fett, Princess Leia,

A cross between an albino peacock and Liberace,

Fu Manchu,

and a smokeless dragon named Fluffy.

After the parade, we had snacks at a street cart (50% chance of hepatitis...) and then got in to be 4 of the 200 people to hear the ceremonial "tapping" of the bell. 

We think it might have been a recording, but, hey, very symbolic anyway. There was a very small front row and everyone wanted pictures.

We stopped by to let Mayor Michael Nutter know we were in the city and finally ready to help him out. He was grateful.  (Real Mayor of Philadelphia, real picture.  Would I make this up?)

Also saw presidential candidate, and former pizza magnate, Herman Cain.

Went back to niece Carrie's very swanky South Street apartment for Chicago Dogs (closest approximation below.  Why do I always forget to take a picture of the best stuff?)

Fireworks started on Saturday night at Penn's Landing, and continue tonight from the art museum (think Rocky's steps).

Also, a punk/grunge/ska/goth BBQ is going on around the corner.  I meant that the music was punk/grunge/ska/goth, but I'm actually not certain that's not the main course, as well.  We didn't really fit in the crowd, and sat this one out.  (Best approximation of the crowd:)

Truly cool to be in the birthplace of America on its birthday!