About Wawa Welcome America
Wawa Welcome America is Philadelphia’s premier July 4th festival, the largest July 4th celebration in America, and one of the largest free festivals in the country. Wawa Welcome America offers residents and visitors alike sixteen days of free, family-friendly programming across the city, with a focus on arts, culture, diversity, education, wellness, history, and performance. Festival attendees can enjoy free concerts, fireworks, complimentary museum access, Wawa Hoagie Day, and more!
In 2021, Wawa Welcome America expanded the festival to include a new slate of programming entitled “Freedom – Liberty,” in commemoration of Juneteenth. The expansion, in partnership with African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP) and VISIT PHILADELPHIA®, has been designed by AAMP to provide education and awareness of Juneteenth, and to explore the historical significance of and thematic ties between these two important U.S. holidays.
Wawa Welcome America is committed to creating platforms to nurture diverse perspectives, raise diverse voices, and celebrate our nation’s evolving history through the lives, voices, and experiences of all Americans.
About Welcome America, Inc.
Welcome America, Inc. is a 501c3, non-profit organization in a public-private partnership with the City of Philadelphia which seeks to enhance the resident and visitor experience through citywide events that provide an economic boost to the local economy. Welcome America, Inc. also produces and assists in the growth of select city events year-round that can increase awareness of Philadelphia as an event destination, including Wawa Welcome America and the Philly Holiday Experience.
Meet Our Team!

Michael DelBene
President & CEO

Todd Marcocci
Producer - Parade & Fireworks

Quentin Williams
Producer

Board Members
Honorable James Kenney
Mayor of Philadelphia
Honorable Judge Dan Anders
Court of Common Pleas
Michael Barnes
Business Agent, IATSE
City Councilwoman Cindy Bass
City of Philadelphia
James Cuorato
President & CEO, Independence Visitor Center
Michael DelBene
President & CEO, Welcome America, Inc.
Jeff Guaracino
President & CEO, Visit Philadelphia
Obra S. Kernodle IV
Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Delaware River Port Authority
Jennifer Rodriguez
CEO, Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Leigh Whitaker
Director of City Relations, University of Pennsylvania
Dalila Wilson-Scott
Senior Vice President, Community Impact / President, Comcast Foundation
Lori Bruce
Public Relations Manager, Wawa