Heat prompts changes to Philly Fourth of July parade, FIFA Fan Fest

Philadelphia’s Wawa Fourth of July parade and the FIFA Fan Festival are facing adjustments because of extreme heat expected on July 3. The Wawa parade route will be shortened, with the march still beginning at 5th and Chestnut near Independence Hall, then shifting toward Market Street and down to City Hall before turning onto Broad and Chestnut, where it will end. The distance was cut from 2.5 miles to 1 mile to reflect weather concerns. Thursday and Friday are forecast to exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Organizers also changed FIFA Fan Fest hours and watch parties. The festival will start at 6 p.m. Thursday instead of 2 p.m., with the Spain vs. Austria game no longer shown, and it will close at 10 p.m. On Friday, it opens at 5 p.m. instead of 1 p.m., so Australia vs. Egypt’s knockout match will be missed. On Saturday, the festival will close immediately after Canada vs. Morocco instead of staying open until 4 p.m.