As America’s birthplace, Philadelphia will be the centerpiece of the United States’ 250th birthday celebration, Wawa Welcome America is Philadelphia’s premier summer festival. Celebrating freedom and independence from Juneteenth to July 4th. In 2026, Philadelphia will host the 250th anniversary of the United States, and Wawa Welcome America will be a major part of the festivities, which will be a two-week celebration. The festival will include city-wide programming with events like the Independence Day Parade and Party on the Parkway

and then we’re off to DC…

as Washington D.C. will be a central location for celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence

The city will host various events and initiatives as part of the nationwide America250 commemoration

The Woodside One Wheelers have been selected as participants in BOTH of these celebrations and will travel to Philly & DC for our 11th major Trip

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Up Close and Personal- Inside WOW… Here are some informal discussions from some of our members…

Who are they?

For all of the advanced kids going on major trips with the WOW organization, they must pass a series of five significant tests, showing that they can perform in all areas- thus achieving the ultimate distinction as a ‘Giraffe Performance Level Rider’. They include: a 10 minute ride without falling, self mounting (5x), riding stationary for 30 seconds, executing 5 figure eight maneuvers and riding backwards to the half court line of our gym (3x)– clearly the most demanding and grueling of the performance expectations. When members achieve this goal, which can take a year or more, it gives them a sense of accomplishment like none other!

Of the 35 members currently scheduled to travel in 2026 to DC, here are some quick stats: