#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Summer shade
(Photo by @my.little.joys)
The lonely quest to commemorate Ben Franklin’s early home
Nothing marks the three properties on the 100 block of High Street, now Market Street, where Ben Franklin had his businesses and home before moving to his home and worksite known as Franklin Court. But local tourism booster and Franklinphile Richard Armandi has a vision. Continue reading …
Founders share lessons from Cannonball’s fantastic, frenetic growth
It was sort of a miracle the way the Cannonball Festival erupted onto Philly’s theater scene in 2021 – Nick Jonczak and four of his theatery-circus friends trying something new after the COVID awfulness.
The Cannonball has become a popular subset of the Fringe Festival. And managing its success has led its founders to develop a plan meant to keep it going into the future. That plan has lessons for us all. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Trump’s Federal Transportation Agency targets green buses while investigating EV bus fire in SEPTA lot in June. [Billy Penn]
• As Gov. Shapiro urged action from state lawmakers just days before SEPTA’s deadline when drastic service cuts would begin, the state House convened on Sunday evening to advance a Democrat-backed funding bill. [WHYY/Capital-Star]
• Hundreds rally in Germantown in support of Anovsack ‘Anou’ Vongbandith, a cafe owner being held in an ICE detention center. [WHYY]
• As Philly school officials and teachers union move closer to a deal, unresolved Pennsylvania budget remains an issue. [WHYY]
• Schuylkill Yards opened a new park, dubbed Highland Park, under an old rail line near 30th Street station, connecting University City with new murals and public art. [PhillyVoice]
• Meet the Philly zoo’s 2 new rare cats — who are here to make more big cats. [Billy Penn]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker has no public events scheduled for today.
ON THE CALENDAR
🏮 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
Tuesday, Aug. 12: Philly Asian Queer Craft Night
Think paper crafts: Paper portraits, cards, letters, paper collages, etc. Join a night of fun with snacks and community at William Way Center. (6 to 8 p.m.)
Tuesday, Aug. 12: “EXTINCTION CAPITAL OF THE WORLD: STORIES” with Sara Mae
Mariah Rigg’s debut short story collection is described as “a stunning portrait of Hawai’i–and a powerful meditation on family, queer love, and community amid imperialism and environmental collapse.” Mariah will be in conversation at Head & Hand with Philly-based musician and poet Sara Mae. Followed by a Q&A and book signing. (7 to 8:30 p.m.)
Wednesday, Aug. 13: Dog Days of Summer Market
Featuring pet-centered vendors, a bandana-making station, photo booth, and more. Dogs must be leashed and be dog/child-friendly. PAWS will be on site with a pet pantry drop-off to collect donations, such as food or cat litter (up to 30lb bags). (5 to 8 p.m.)
Wednesday, Aug. 13: Go Mt. Airy Supper Sessions
Mt Airy CDC’s signature outdoor event returns with four events this summer. Support community and small businesses across the 7100 and 7200 blocks of Germantown Ave.. Monthly every 2nd Wednesday through Sept. (5 to 9 p.m.)
Wednesday, Aug. 13: Cobbs Creek Art Club
Join the Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Center for a brand new season of creative workshops — Explore the nature of Cobbs Creek, meet new friends, and let your creativity flow with drawing, painting, and clay sculpture. All ages welcome. (5:30 to 7:30 p.m.)
Thursday, Aug. 14: 2nd Thursday Maker Night!
Every 2nd Thursday of the month, The Resource Exchange is open late until 8 p.m. for after-hours access to their shop & gallery, plus rotating events & activities! This month, check out the reCreate exhibit, BYO craft supplies or experiment with on-site supplies, get feedback on your current projects, and shop! (5 to 8 p.m.)
Thursday, Aug. 14: Street Movies! with Friends of Mifflin Square Park & Cambodian Association
Join a live performance and a screening of five short films, followed by a community discussion. 7:45 p.m. live Performance by CAGE (Cambodian American Girls Empowering) + 8:15 p.m. films and discussion. (7:45 through 9:45 p.m.)
