Philadelphia canceled its Independence Day parade on Friday, a victim of heat gripping the eastern U.S. and hurting America’s 250th birthday.
Organizers announced the decision on social media.
“Due to the extreme heat, the Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade is canceled,” the Wawa Welcome America entity said on X.
Temperatures were expected to reach 104 degrees on Friday in the City of Brotherly Love, the epicenter of semiquincentennial celebrations, given its importance as the host city for the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
Philadelphia also canceled a concert by the U.S. Army Field Band & Soldiers’ Chorus on Thursday.
Excessive heat is roiling and broiling July Fourth plans in other major cities, including the nation’s capital.
Organizers of the Great American State Fair, a major event on the National Mall, decided to close the event for a few hours Friday due to the extreme afternoon heat.
“Attention, fairgoers, the event has been postponed. We will reopen at 5 p.m.,” an announcer said over the public-address system a bit after lunchtime. “Please proceed to the nearest exit.”
President Trump recently joked that he planned to give lengthy remarks despite the weather.
“On July 4th, it’s going to be approximately 107 degrees out, and I’m going to go, and I’m going to make a really long speech,” he said on Wednesday. “Just to show that I can do anything.”
Organizers moved the start time of festivities on the National Mall back and urged attendees to bring ample water supplies, given the conditions.
