Ben Franklin Bridge in Philadelphia

Here in Philly, we love Ben Franklin. We have a Ben Franklin Bridge, a Ben Franklin Parkway, the Franklin Institute, and you can even spot a full-time Franklin look-alike roaming the streets of Old City. Can you blame us? The man invented everything from the lightning rod to daylight savings time. He earned his dues.

The Benjamin Franklin Bridge, probably the most famous bridge in the city, is a suspension bridge across the Delaware River connecting Philadelphia and Camden, New Jersey. Named for American statesman Benjamin Franklin, the bridge is owned and operated by the Delaware Port Authority.

Ben Franklin Bridge in Philadelphia

Philadelphia Dragon Boat Regatta

Dragon boat racing is one of the fastest growing athletic events in the world and has grown to encompass more than two million participants across 40 countries. The 3rd annual dragon boat festival on the Schuylkill River, called the Independence Dragon Boat Regatta is in honor of the city’s rich history as the cradle of American independence. The Regatta has become a great tradition in the city of Philadelphia.

The fun and festive atmosphere along Kelly Drive was complete with tented picnic areas for each team along the riverfront, as well as the Dragon Expo where sponsors could exhibit their wares to everyone who have come to share in the spirit of dragon boating.

Philadelphia Dragon Boat Regatta

Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC

The blooming of the cherry trees around the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C. has come to symbolize the natural beauty of our nation's capital city. The famous trees, a gift from Japan in 1912, signal Washington’s rite of spring with an explosion of life and color that surrounds the Tidal Basin in a sea of pale pink and white blossoms. Thousands of city residents and visitors from across the nation and around the world come here to witness the spectacle, hoping that the trees will be at the peak of bloom for the Cherry Blossom Festival.

Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC

Scranton St. Patrick's Day Parade

Each year, thousands of people line the streets of downtown Scranton on Parade Day to take part in one of the city's greatest traditions. The city has hosted a parade since early in its history and can boast that they have the fourth largest St. Patrick's Day Parade and celebration in the United States.

I had the privilege of attending college in nearby Clarks Summit, and have come to have a deep appreciation for the tradition and pride that the people of Scranton hold for their Parade. It truly is one of the best St. Patty's Day parades in the country. Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day in Scranton!

Scranton St. Patrick's Day Parade

Fastnacht Day: A Pennsylvania Dutch Mardi Gras Tradition

Fastnacht Day is a Pennsylvania Dutch tradition that is the equivalent of Fat Tuesday, the day before Lent begins. The actual fastnacht is a fatty doughnut treat that were made as a way to empty the pantry of lard, sugar, fat, and butter, which were traditionally forbidden during Lent.

Many cultures have different Fat Tuesday traditions. Even people in different parts of the United States celebrate the day differently, but this tradition skips much of the pomp and circumstance surrounding the Day before Lent and simply involves the eating of this type of doughnut called a fastnacht.

On February 16th, don't miss out on joining the crowds of people who will line the supermarkets and bakeries as they purchase their goodies for Fastnacht Day!

Fastnacht Day: A Pennsylvania Dutch Mardi Gras Tradition

The Philadelphia Mummers Parade on New Year's Day

New Year’s Day is about celebrating, and there’s no better place than at the Philadelphia’s Mummers Parade, a 110-year-old tradition in which 10,000 men and women dressed in colorfully lavish costumes twirl, sashay, pirouette and strut up one of the city’s main streets. An unforgettably wild ritual, the parade and subsequent performances are all family-friendly, yet exciting enough to entertain everybody.

The Mummers parade is a celebration of the New Year but is serious business in Philadelphia. Clubs work on the costumes and practice all year for this one day. There are many lively discussions over the scoring by the judges and adherence to the complicated set of rules the marchers must follow when being judged. String Bands are judged on their musical presentation as well as the costumes. Seeing and hearing a String Band performing live in the parade is a one-of-a-kind experience. Anyone who hails from the Philadelphia area knows the tradition of the Mummers Parade and can say that it is a truely unique experience.

The Philadelphia Mummers Parade on New Year's Day

America's Oldest Community Christmas Tree Lighting in Perkasie

Perkasie, Pennsylvania is home to the oldest community Christmas tree in the United States and will be celebrating it's 100th tree lighting this year. Since the first lighting of the tree in 1909, thousands of communities across the nation have followed in Perkasie’s footsteps. This years celebration is set for December 5th, where there will be fireworks, food, music, and Perkasie Mayor John Hollenbach will recite "The Night Before Christmas" on the steps of the borough building. Santa Claus will be escorted through town on a fire truck, before the historic lighting of the Christmas tree at 7 p.m.

America's Oldest Community Christmas Tree Lighting in Perkasie