Philadelphia cancels Friday's 'Salute to Independence' parade due to extreme heat
Floats were slated to be featured in the "Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade" in Philadelphia on Friday, but organizers cancelled the event due to extreme temperatures.
As Americans around the nation celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary this week, a parade that had been slated to take place in Philadelphia, Pa., on Friday was called off due to scorching temperatures expected in the city.
Welcome America Inc. noted the cancellation in a post on X, which the city of Philadelphia reposted.
"Due to the extreme heat, the Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade is cancelled," the post noted.
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A general view shows the skyline of Philadelphia at sunset from South Philadelphia Sports Complex. (Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images)
The X account for the National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly noted in a Friday morning post, "If Philadelphia Int'l Airport reaches our forecast high of 104° today, it will be the hottest temp recorded there since July 3, 1966."
City Health Commissioner Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson extended an ongoing "Heat Health Emergency" through 8 p.m. Sunday, according to the city's Department of Public Health.
The parade had been slated to include floats and marching bands, according to an event description.
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Drones create a formation in the shape of the Liberty Bell above the National Constitution Center at Independence National Historical Park on July 2, 2026, in Philadelphia, Pa. (Al Drago/Getty Images)
Welcome America Inc. President and CEO Michael DelBene noted that the organization's first duty is people's safety.
"As much as this decision pains everyone inside our organization, we simply cannot host an event of this size and scale under these dangerous heat conditions. Todd Marcocci and Under the Sun Productions, along with all the parade groups, have been working tirelessly to design something truly historic, and having to cancel it at the last minute is heartbreaking for all of us," DelBene noted in a statement obtained by Fox News Digital.
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A view of City Hall as Philadelphia prepares to host FIFA World Cup on May 8, 2026, in Philadelphia, Pa. (Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
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"While large-scale celebrations and community events may be our mission, our first responsibility will always be to the safety and security of our staff, our guests, and our event participants," he added.
