The United States will celebrate its “Semiquincentennial” on the 4th of July and plans are already made to kick off this historic event with dozens of activities in the birthplace of the nation – Philadelphia.
The plans have been in the works since 2016 through a group known as “America250” through an Act of Congress. Several enormous sporting events over a period of weeks will include the MLB All-Star Game (July 14), the FIFA World Cup 26 (June 11 to July 19), the NCAA Men’s March Madness (March 20 and March 22) and the PGA Championship (May 11 to 17) in nearby Newtown Square).
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My favorite series of events will be sponsored by one of Philadelphia’s nationally-known chain of convenience stores called WAWA. The multi-day city-wide festival planned by “WAWA Welcome America” will culminate in a massive Fourth of July concert and fireworks show on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, featuring free events, historical tributes, family activities, and iconic traditions like Wawa Hoagie Day, turning the city of my own birthplace into a huge patriotic party!
Bicentennial Year Provided Historic Events for Me
I will never forget how much the 200th anniversary of our nation meant to me and the historic life events I experienced during our Bicentennial Year. I graduated fom Temple University with a Master’s Degree in American History. In addition, I got my first job since leaving the Vietnam War as a combat infantry platoon leader years earlier. I got hired by The Pottstown Mercury Newsaper as a reporter after having written a history of that Montgomery County city for the newspaper.
The Philadelphia area is now calling out to all of us who will want to honor our Founding Fathers and the writing of the Declaration of Independence. Thomas Jefferson wrote most of it from his Market Street residence as well as his favorite table in the Indian Queen Tavern in the City of Brotherly Love. So, lift a glass of Madeira Wine — Jefferson’s favorite drink — and thank both him and the fellow who helped guide him in the document’s writing — Philadelphia’s most revered hometown dweller — Benjamin Franklin.
Contoveros 
The following comments were recently made on Facebook:
Patricia Muronoff Kalafut
Great info Michael! Wishing you a healthy New Year for 2026!
Michael J Contos
My pleasure for all of my Philadelphia area friends.
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Scott B. Rudolf
Michael, my recollection is that the NBA and NHL All-Star games were in Philadelphia in January 1976, the NCAA Men’s Basketball Finals were in Philadelphia in March 1976, and the MLB All-Star Game was in Philadelphia in July 1976. (The NBA and NHL games were pre-merger games, however.)
I of course have no idea what happened the day before yesterday. Fifty years ago, I’m good; recently, not so good.
P.S. – Glad to hear that you’re up and out and about.
Michael J Contos
What a great memory you have for that Bicentennial Year. I’ll never forget it. I am also happy to report that my health has improved but I still have some difficulty with one of legs at the hip level. Ain’t no big deal though.
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Calliope Joy
Happy New Year 2026 cousin
Michael J Contos
Thank you my dear. Looking forward to a great new year!
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Lucy Contos Moreno
Happy New year
Michael J Contos
So good to hear from you. And I wish the same blessings for your new year!
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The above image for Philadelphia activities includes the Independence Hall building in the direct center with the statue of William Penn up on top of the Philadelphia City Hall building just to its right.
Of course the Rocky statue is at the entrance to Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Fairmount section.There’s also a ball and a glove representing the Philadelphia Phillies and a basketball for the 76ers.
To top it all is the Liberty Bell to the far left corner.
I tried jury cases at City Hall as a Philadelphia public defender, and lived very close to the Art Museum. I took part in protests against the China occupation of Tibet just outside Independence Hall and ran up the same steps that Sylvester Stallone did in the movie “Rocky!”
Good Things can really happen in Philadelphia.
— Michael j Contos, born in a hospital along Philly’s Broad Street.
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Sadly, I think it will be a difficult time for a lot of people to celebrate this country. Patriotic is not how I feel at all. But I hope you enjoy a lovely and wonderful time. 😔
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We made through several wars as a nation and were able to bounce back healthier and with a true dedication to independence and democratic ideals. We just need patience and the enlightened belief that all will be better once again!
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