Just ahead of the pope’s visit, Philadelphia experienced a little bit of democracy in action with the removal of a giant tent.
This was the tent.
It was there to cover the orchestra during last night’s Festival of Families, and it wasn’t far at all from the stage where Pope Francis would later be performing mass. The tent, set up by the World Meeting of Families and its contractor ESM Productions, likely would have blocked the view of thousands of people who had been waiting on the Parkway for hours. And they let the city know.
Why build a tent blocking those who’ve been waiting #WorldMeetingOfFamilies #PopeFrancis #PopeInPhilly #movethetent pic.twitter.com/M8u1g3STLn
— Anthony (@adauge) September 27, 2015
Waiting for the Papal Mass with @Pontifex when everyone’s view is completed obstructed by a tent..why? #poorform @WMF2015 #movethetent
— Emily Grace (@emilygrace4) September 27, 2015
The city heard the complaints. Mark McDonald, press secretary for Michael Nutter, said within 15 minutes of hearing the complaints the city contacted ESM and a little after 1 pm, workers took it down.
White tent near stage is not for VIPs, was there for orchestra. Heard & saw pilgrims’ feedback & the tent is coming down. #PopeInPhilly
— City of Philadelphia (@PhiladelphiaGov) September 27, 2015
We heard you! Tent was for the orchestra but it is being removed by event staff. #movethattent
— City of Philadelphia (@PhiladelphiaGov) September 27, 2015
For Philadelphia, it was an easy move and a savvy one. People weren’t complaining about local government for once!
A pretty quick resolution! Good to know officials are listening to the crowds here for a once in a lifetime event https://t.co/rwUEj5nru4
— Caroline Hayden (@CarolineHayden) September 27, 2015
Roars of approval and high fives as the tent comes down after an hour of chanting MOVE THAT TENT on and off: pic.twitter.com/MWAqPbiXsD
— Philly City Paper (@citypaper) September 27, 2015
