It’s been a banner year for Philadelphia in the realm of major events. His Holiness Pope Francis all but shut down the city when he pope-mobiled into town in September. Last week, blue and white confetti was flying all over Center City for the Villanova Championship Parade. And come summer, all eyes will be on us again when the Democratic National Convention comes to the Wells Fargo Center from July 25 to 28.
During that stretch of days, the city will be alive with political events, hot debates, and Hillary and Bernie sightings out the wazoo. And Philly’s DNC Host Committee is already working to get folks revved up and involved in the process. This Saturday, they’re kicking off their pre-convention festivities with a block party that marks 100 days until the main event.
DNCC spokesperson Kyle Anderson says the family-friendly block party will feature live music from local bands, food trucks, games and giveaways—all in the attempt to boost local interest in the DNC.
“Throughout the entire Convention planning process, our commitment … has been to make this the most inclusive, engaging Convention in history,” Anderson says. “This community block party is an opportunity to join with [the community] as we celebrate the 100 day mark leading up to the convention.”
Keep your eyes peeled for other DNC-focused events leading up to the big kickoff in July. Young Involved Philadelphia, for one, has an “Inside the Machine” StorySlam coming up that will be centered around the DNC visit. We here are The Citizen are also dreaming up some ideas that we’ll announce soon.
If you want to be part of the whole shebang, the DNC is looking for volunteers who can help out at events, with administrative support and even with getting in some hands-on experience during the actual convention. For more information on how to volunteer, go here.
The 100 Days Out Block Party takes place outside the National Constitution Center (6th and Arch streets) on Saturday, April 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. Admission is free.
Photo Header: Flickr/Richard Anderson
