AceShowbiz - Philadelphia’s Independence Day parade planned for the nation’s 250th birthday was canceled just hours before it was set to begin due to dangerously high temperatures, AllHipHop reports. Nearly 10,000 participants were expected to march in the event, which was scheduled to kick off at 11 a.m. as part of the city’s Wawa Welcome America festivities.

The decision to call off the parade came as Philadelphia was under a Heat Health Emergency, with organizers prioritizing public safety over celebration, AllHipHop noted. Despite searching overnight for alternative indoor venues, including the Philadelphia Convention Center, no suitable option could be arranged on short notice to accommodate the large-scale gathering. Per Variety, the cancellation did not affect the One Philly Unity Concert for America, a six-hour free concert set to take place later that day on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Comedian Wanda Sykes was slated to host the concert, AllHipHop confirmed, while Variety detailed a star-studded lineup featuring Will Smith, Meek Mill, Jill Scott, Christina Aguilera, The Roots, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Seal, Jordan Davis, Kathy Sledge, and State Property, along with other special guests. The event, produced by ESM Productions with executive producers including Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, is expected to be the largest free concert in the United States and will culminate with a fireworks display over the Philadelphia Museum of Art and city skyline just before midnight.

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker described the concert as a historic homecoming for many of the city’s renowned stars and emphasized its significance in celebrating both Philadelphia’s cultural heritage and the nation’s milestone. The main event will run from 5:00 PM to 11:45 PM, ensuring that, despite the parade’s cancellation, festivities honoring America’s 250th birthday will continue to engage thousands of attendees into the evening.

This article is based on reporting originally published by AllHipHop.