Satire/Odd News
Historic figures: Philadelphia’s America 250 celebrations by the numbers
As our semiquincentennial summer to remember fades in the rearview mirror, we take a look at the receipts
Will Smith own West Philadelphia’s was one of the featured acts at the One Philly: Unity Concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. CITY OF PHILADELPHIA
As we wave goodbye to summer, as our seasonal soundtrack spins from Miley Cyrus’s “Party in the USA” turns to Semisonic’s “Closing Time,” it’s time to look back at the birthday bash of the summer – America’s 250th in Philadelphia.
The semiquincentennial whirlwind weekend – much like our country’s history – had its ups and downs, but Philly can still boast about its abilities as host. With that in mind, here are a few key figures from the aftermath. Some are factual, while others should be taken with a grain of pretzel salt:
$48 million: Federal grant funds to cover police overtime costs
$15.5 million: OnePhilly: Unity Concert price tag
Three-plus hours: Weather delay of the Unity Concert and Fourth of July fireworks
2:30 a.m.: Time when Fifth of July fireworks finally took place
2,300: Neighborhood dogs’ nights ruined by the fireworks
681,000: Arriving and departing passengers at Philadelphia International Airport during the holiday week
12,000: National Constitution Center visitors during the holiday week
155,333: SEPTA riders on the Broad Street Line from June 14 through July 4
3,000: Carpenters’ Hall visitors on July 4th – a record for the site
45.6%: Increase in hospitality engagements compared to June and July of last year
4-5: AirBnB renters confused why their Kensington stay is so cheap
23%: Increase in short-term rentals occupancy
Zero: Horse turds eaten (as far as we know)
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