#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
A bend in the path
(Photo by @june_age_daydream)
Wawa’s Hoagie Day by the numbers: 7 tons of ingredients, 25,000 hoagies, countless smiles
For the 33rd year, Wawa’s hosted its National Hoagie Day giveaway, turning 7 tons of ingredients into 25,000 hoagies. Of these, 10,000 were donated to local Philadelphia groups.
Former Eagles star Brandon Graham joined Wawa employees in transforming the ingredients into the signature sandwiches for the waiting thousands lined up throughout Independence Mall waiting for the event’s red goody bag. Continue reading …
America’s 100th birthday party was a huge win for Philly
As Philadelphia prepares to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, Billy Penn will look back on previous celebrations held here, including the best so far — the 1876 World’s Fair.
The fair was a smashing success, celebrating the nation’s spirit as well as its industrial and entrepreneurial genius — it’s where Alexander Graham Bell introduced the world to the telephone — and also played a part in the path toward women’s rights. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• The Pa. Superior Court ruled that a ban on openly carrying a firearm without a permit in Philadelphia is unconstitutional, but stopped short of repealing the law. [Inquirer$]
• SEPTA approves a budget that could result in nearly half of its services being cut without additional state funding. [WHYY]
• From 1970 to 2024, temperatures increased in Philly by 4.1 degrees. With climate change, there are no signs of letting up, researcher says. [PhillyVoice]
• How are Philly communities and city government tackling climate-driven flooding? Three takeaways from a panel moderated by WHYY’s Maiken Scott about flooding in Germantown and beyond. Also, check out the Pulse’s podcast on the frenetic race to decode the human genome. [WHYYx2]
• Philly’s student robotics scene is running on empty as educators and mentors fight to keep programs alive amid budget cuts to hands-on STEM experiences in local schools. [Technical.ly]
• The historic Calvary Church building at 48th and Baltimore, and organizations hosted there, seek to Rock This Roof with a concert Saturday to raise funds for critical roof repairs. [WestPhillyLocal]
• The Sixers draft a good player and great young man in VJ Edgecombe, but fans still not ready to forgive for an abysmal season. [BP]
• The Gay Little Pub is something for queer Philly to call its own. [Billy Penn]
• In celebration of Black Music Month, we pay tribute to Thom Bell, one of the greatest musicians ever and a proud son of Philly. [Billy Penn]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker will mark the anniversary of the Extended Day, Extended Year (EDEY) pilot initiative launch, by announcing 15 schools that will offer free before- and after-school care, and camp experiences, at City Hall. (10 a.m.)
The mayor will welcome thousands of attendees to American Library Association Conference, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. (4 p.m.)
ON THE CALENDAR
🥘 Philly African Restaurant Week through June 29
🌈 Pride Month celebrations
🏮 All about the 2025 Philly Lantern Festival
🏊🏽 Public pools in Philly 2025
🌸 27 ways to get out and enjoy the warm weather
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Friday, June 27: Germantown Art & Sound
A kickback for local creatives with an art show highlighting local artists. Complete with complimentary wine, live music and a playlist that is uniquely curated by guests. Free. (7 to 10 p.m.)
Saturday, June 28: Printmaking by the People
Reflect on the meaning of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness through art, at Cherry Street Pier. Design and print your very own poster that speaks to your values and voice. Keep one to take home, and donate a second to a special Free LIbrary exhibit. (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Saturday, June 28: Philadelphia Mimosa Fest
A day party through Old City bars and restaurants featuring brunch bites, mimosa pairings, fun giveaways and more. $25 to $65 tickets. (2 p.m.)
Saturday, June 28: Independence Day Fireworks on the Waterfront
Enjoy the fireworks at various locations along the Delaware River waterfront. Part of the Wawa Welcome America celebrations. (9:30 p.m.)
Sunday, June 29: Philadelphia African Restaurant Week Festival 2025
Wrap up a fun week of celebrating African diasporic culture and cuisine at Love Park, which will be full of food, local vendors, DJs spinning Afrobeats, soca, Kompa, Amapiano, R&B and more, and cultural performances. (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
Sunday, June 29: Frankford Hall Summer Pop-Up Market
Shop small, sip big and hang all afternoon. A portion of proceeds from the “Pride Prom Punch” Cocktail supports Attic Youth Center, Philadelphia’s only LGBTQ+ youth center. (12 to 5 p.m.)
Sunday, June 29: Richmond Street Flea and Pride Party
Local vendors, live music from Philly’s queer underground scene and more!
Sunday, June 29: From Our Hands Pan-Asian Food Festival
A Pan-Asian food festival celebrating the rich culinary journeys and authentic flavors of Philly’s AAPI culinary community! Featuring restaurants, chefs, food artisans, artists, craft vendors, panels, interactive activities and Asian-led nonprofits. At Fleisher Art Memorial. (2 to 6 p.m.)
Sunday, June 29: Five-Year Anniversary Cookout
New Ridge Brewing celebrates at Roxborough Pocket Park with drinks, food, artwork and live music. (3 to 7 p.m.)
Monday, June 30: Community Potluck Picnic & Clothing Swap
The food theme is “Favorite Sammie or Side” at this community dinner in Kingsessing. Only bring enough for 5-10 people. For the clothing swap, bring freshly washed clothes to swap with neighbors for a new-to-you summer wardrobe. Drink sponsors provided. (6 to 9 p.m.)
Monday, June 30: The Monday Night Jam Session
Black Squirrel Club brings live jazz backed by a world-class house band led by bassist Richard Hill, Jr. with special guests from across Philly. Mondays through summer. (7 to 10 p.m.)
Tuesday, July 1: “Independence Day” Movies on the Mall
Pre-game at 5:30 p.m. with family-friendly 18th century games, arts and crafts, Park Ranger programs and more on Independence Mall. BYO lawn chairs, blankets and snacks. Liberty Garden sells food beverages onsite. Movie starts at dusk, around 8 p.m.
