We need an all-hands-on-deck, brotherly and sisterly shove to get us over the goal line in readying Philadelphia for the Semiquincentennial celebrations.
Lately, we’ve been detecting a particularly Philadelphian phenomenon relating to next year’s Semiquincentennial. It might be best characterized as premature disappointment syndrome — a pessimism that great things can’t happen in Philadelphia.
Yes, an unprecedented global pandemic did delay planning for the 250th celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. And yes, we can always use more money to enhance the festivities. But we’ve got news for you. Hundreds of thousands of people are coming to Philadelphia next year, and they will have a great time. And the millions of people who live in our city and region will also have a once-in-a-generation experience.
The Semiquincentennial won’t be the only draw in 2026. Philadelphia is also hosting the FIFA World Cup, the MLB All-Star Game, NCAA March Madness, the PGA Championship, a supersized Wawa Welcome America festival, ArtPhilly (a citywide arts festival that highlights Philadelphia’s artists and arts institutions), RockyFest, 52 Weeks of Firsts (a yearlong celebration that will recognize Philadelphia’s firsts), and hundreds of other events and programs in neighborhoods across the region. These events will attract and engage people from around the region, the nation, and the world in 2026. And the city will shine.
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