Overview
- The Pops on Independence concert proceeded on Friday after roughly a one-hour delay caused by extreme heat, and large crowds gathered on the lawn near Independence Hall.
- The Philly Pops opened with the national anthem and hometown favorites, and Idina Menzel joined the orchestra a little before 9 p.m., drawing strong cheers from the audience.
- The heat prompted earlier event cancellations, produced visible attendee distress including at least one fainting report, and led people to take shade breaks and other on-site coping measures.
- Crews continued preparing the Benjamin Franklin Parkway for the July 4 concert and fireworks into the evening, with singer Seal observed doing a soundcheck and Menzel slated to sing the national anthem at a World Cup match in South Philadelphia the next day.
- The free Independence Mall tradition served as the civic kickoff for the holiday weekend and forms part of city programming leading into plans for the nation's 250th anniversary next year.