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On June 30th, come check out a hoagie long enough to stretch over a mile down the Parkway (Photo by G. Widman)

Hoagie lovers rejoice! Wawa Hoagie Day returns Wednesday, June 30th after a ten-year absence and in celebration, a 1 and 1/4 mile hoagie (weighing four tons!) will make it’s way from Wawa, PA to the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art as part of Welcome America. And yes, it will be available for public consumption!

At 7 p.m., the massive sandwich will be served, moments before Mayor Nutter declares June 30th Hoagie Heritage Day. While the hoagies are being distributed, Philadelphia Police Officers and Firefighters will square off in a hoagie building competition, with both teams building as many hoagies as possible in three minutes.

After enjoying the delicious sandwich, prepare yourself for an evening of Rocky Balboa, beginning at 8 p.m. with the Rocky Idol lookalike (and soundalike) contest. Then at 9 p.m., find a spot on the famed Art Museum steps for a special screening of the classic original Rocky film. Hoagies and Rocky, it doesn’t get much more Philly than that!

Wawa Hoagie Day and Rocky Screening
When: June 30, 2010, 7 p.m.
Where: Philadelphia Museum of Art steps, 26th and Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Cost: FREE!

Wawa Welcome America [visitphilly.com]

Peter Nero and the Philly Pops will perform July 2nd at Independence Hall (Photo by R. Kennedy)

Peter Nero and the Philly Pops’ free concert at Independence Hall has become one of Welcome America’s most popular traditions, with 2010 marking the ninth consecutive year the Pops have wowed crowds in Historic Philadelphia.

To help kick-off Fourth of July weekend, Friday evening July 2nd, the Pops will perform American classics including patriotic anthems, rousing marches and holiday favorites, all set against the fitting backdrop of Independence Hall. In addition to the music, there will also be a reading of the Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson.

Seating is limited, but that’s hardly a problem. Grab a lawn chair or blanket and a picnic basket and lay out on the lawn of Independence Mall while enjoying the show.

Pops on Independence
When: July 2, 2010, 8 p.m.
Where: Independence Hall, 5th and Chestnut Streets
Cost: FREE!

Wawa Welcome America! [visitphilly.com]

Photo by Ryan Collerd

The search for Cleopatra’s tomb continues, but the search for classy, themed dining has ended. And the result is only steps away from the world premiere exhibit, Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt at the Franklin Institute.

In concurrence with the exhibit, the Frog Commissary—the exclusive caterer to the Institute—has opened “Cleo’s Portico,” an alfresco dining experience that offers light Mediterranean cuisine and Egyptian-themed cocktails.

After viewing rare Egyptian pieces, guests can munch on elegant fare like Stuffed Grape Leaves or Babaganoush while taking in rare views of the Parkway. Cleo’s Portico is located outdoors on the museum’s second floor, north terrace, which overlooks the Ben Franklin Parkway.

To compliment the event, Cleo’s drink menu is packed with sophisticated beverages with clever names like the Cleopolitan or the Egyptian Mojito, Isis, which combines White Rum, Goldschlager, mint, lime and soda.

All items are reasonably priced and the pop-up café also offers a children’s menu, creating an experience that won’t break your budget and is enjoyable for the whole family.

Accessible exclusively to museum-goers, Cleo’s Portico is open Thursday through Saturday, noon to 8pm and Sunday, noon to 5pm. Monday through Wednesday, the café is closed to private parties. Cleo’s requests reservations for groups of 20+ people.

For more information or to make a reservation, call 215-448-1369.

The Franklin Institute
222 North 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 448-1200
www.fi.edu

Taste of Philadelphia: Starts Tonight, Runs Through Sunday! Go!

Friday

Taste of Philadelphia!
This amazing eat-everything-in-sight event kicks off today and lasts all weekend. Admission is free, and tastings from the 20+ restaurants will only run you a few dollars here and there. Show up hungry!

Last Chance: Dreamsgirls @ the Academy of Music
This popular musical closes its curtains on Philadelphia this Sunday. See it while you can!

HAUTE Party @ Bus Stop Boutique
15% off select shoes and the possibility of scoring a free tote bag? Sold!

Friends of Project Basho Exhibit Opening
Check out some beautiful photos from the folks involved in Project Basho, a great community photography studio.

Buried Beds @ Johnny Brenda’s
Up for some music tonight? Stop by Johnny Brenda’s in Fishtown for a real treat. Buried Beds is throwing their CD release show.

Saturday

Fourth of July Fireworks: Round One
The first batch of glorious July 4th fireworks hits Penn’s Landing tonight. Go see them, as well as a free live concert.

Morris Day & the Time @ Penn’s Landing
Speaking of that free concert, Morris Day & the Time are playing at Penn’s Landing.

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Sign @ Clark Park, Image via Clark Park's Facebook Page

Think your dog’s strong? Test your dog’s strength and enjoy discounted care at the Lug Nuts Weight Pull Competition this Saturday at Clark Park.

The contest, which starts at 1pm, is open to all leashed dogs, no matter the shape, size or breed. Cash prizes will be given out to winners, double if your pet is already spayed or neutered. This first time event is hosted by the Philly Lug Nuts.

All owners and dogs can come out winners at this event, the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society will be there to provide rabies, distemper vaccines, and micro-chipping at low cost. There will also be a raffle for a free spay/neuter and information about taking care of your canine. These services—along with free training tips, lessons and gifts, will occur from 11am – 5 pm.

The event is open to dogs, dog owners and dog lovers. Free food will be given to all four-legged friends.

Lug Nuts Weight Pull Competition [ www.phillylugnuts.com ]

Want to get outside this weekend? Then, head to historic Manayunk for their 21st Annual Arts Festival!

Talented artists from across the country with a wide range of artwork, from paintings to drawings, glass to mixed media, will cover the entire length of Main Street. Whether you’re a collector in the mood to shop or simply want to admire the work of others, there is a little something for everyone.

If art isn’t really your thing, the festival has plenty more to offer, including activities for kids, musical performances, and of course, a beautiful, scenic view looking over the Manayunk Canal and Schuylkill River.

Spend the entire day and enjoy shopping at Manayunk’s chic boutiques along the way, and then grab a bite to eat at one of the neighborhood’s many restaurants. You won’t want to leave.

Manayunk’s 21st Annual Arts Festival [ www.manayunk.com ]

On Saturday, June 26th and Sunday, June 27th, the W.S. Hancock Society (in conjunction with about 30 other organizations) is presenting Once Upon a Time in Montgomery County. This free event will feature a wide variety of presentations about various aspects of Montgomery County’s history.

Presentations will cover a wide variety of topics, like the history of Genuardis, the Lenape (Lower Merion’s original inhabitants), early Welsh and English settlers in Montgomery County, and America’s founding documents.

This FREE event will be held at the Stanbridge Street Park Complex at 2501 Stanbridge St. in East Norriton. Come by anytime Saturday between 9am and 5pm, and Sunday between 10am and 3pm.

For a full list of events and directions, visit the W.S. Hancock Society’s official website.

Once Upon a Time in Montgomery County [ blog.wshancocksociety.org ]

Catch the First Batch of July 4th Fireworks Following a Free Concert With Morris Day & the Time, Photo by R. Kennedy

It’s Saturday, June 26th.

You’ve just spent the late afternoon devouring a number of samples at Taste of Philadelphia and enjoyed a free concert featuring Morris Day & The Time. Well, keep your seat at Penn’s Landing, because immediately after the performance, the first round of July 4th fireworks blast off over the water.

The concert begins at 8pm, and the fireworks launch after 9:30pm.

Not going for the concert or Taste of Philadelphia? Well make sure you get there early! Bring a blanket, bring a picket, bring whatever! Just be there!

Wawa Welcome America: Fireworks in Philadelphia [ www.visitphilly.com ]

Entrance & Ample Outdoor Seating @ Frog Burger

Frog Burger recently made a giant leap into a pond already full of delicious city burger joints. But it holds its own against the other big fish.

With it’s unique burgers, rich shakes and a liquor license (outdoor happy hours anyone?), this summer hangout is already making a big splash during its inaugural season.

Frog Burger sits on the front yard of the Franklin Institute, amongst flowers and a giant metal plane sculpture. Large tables are scattered through the grassy area and there is plenty of room for picnic blankets, which the tented shack also provides. The place is family-friendly and 21+ friendly. Frog Burger has a liquor license and sells beer and red or white Sangria pitchers.

The burger joint is owned by the Frog Commissary, a local company that serves as the select caterer to the Institute. If you’ve ever had their famous Carrot Cake, then you’ll love the Carrot Cake Shake– a rich beverage made with chunks of the Philadelphia favorite mixed with Bassett’s vanilla ice cream.

Love Burger

Besides the shake, Frog Burger boasts a filling menu including: fried green tomatoes; crab cakes; grilled corn, french fries and, of course, burgers. To satisfy a colossal appetite, order the LOVE Burger– a giant burger sandwiched between two grilled cheese sandwiches. Add bacon for an even more epic noshing experience. Everything is cooked to order and made in house.

Practicing enviro-friendly habits, Frog serves its delicious food on reusable baskets to cut down on waste. Bottles are recycled and all disposables are made from renewable plant products like corn, potato starch and sugar cane.

Frog Burger is open daily, rain or shine, from noon until dusk.

Frog Burger (Outside of the Franklin Institute)
222 North 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 448-1200
www.fi.edu

Marathon recently announced their new Kids Happy Hour, an event that runs 5pm to 6pm, Monday through Friday, giving people the opportunity to enjoy discounted nibbles and drinks as a family.

The Kids Happy Hour features half-off discounts on Marathon’s popular kids menu, which includes “Kids Matzoh Ball Soup with chicken & veggies; the Big Kid Burger Sliders with Vermont cheddar; and Elijah’s Mac and Cheese.” All of these meals are served up with a side of fruit salad, and prices range from just $1.75 to $4.25.

Adults can enjoy the usual happy hour offerings, which includes “$3 select draughts, $5 glasses of red and white wine, [and] $6 select Marathon Concoctions.”

Now, along with the dining deals, from Monday, June 28th to Friday, July 2nd, Marathon is hosting a number of events and promotions to raise funds for Alex’s Lemonade Stand. They’re serving up Harvest Squeeze Lemonade at $2.50 that week, with 100% of the proceeds going towards ALS.

Other events include two happy hours at the Marathon at 1818 Market Street. On June 29th, they’ll host an extended Kids Happy Hour (til 7pm), with 100% of lemonade sales going to Alex’s Lemonade Stand, and are giving away a free take-home cup with every lemonade purchase. On July 1st, they’re serving lemonade cocktails, and again, proceeds go straight to ALS.

For a list of locations, visit Marathon’s official website.

Marathon [ www.eatmarathon.com ]