Wawa Hoagie Day; Peruvian pop-up; Regional Rail contract

The annual festival returned to Independence Mall in front of the National Constitution Center, attracting families and school groups to the lawn with live music, free food, and a call to support local community organizations.

Milder weather than the scorching highs of the past week made the long lines for the red bag — containing a Shorti hoagie, a bag of Herr’s chips, a Tastykake chocolate chip cookie bar, water and a Wawa hat — more bearable.

BP’s Nick Kariuki spoke with organizers about what it took to bring the local tradition back for another year. Continue reading…

Wawa’s beloved mascots were ready for plenty of photo ops during the Hoagie Day festivities on June 27, 2024. (Cory Sharber/WHYY)

After seven years working on a cruise ship, Manuel Ruiz felt he had seen much of the world and learned all he could as an onboard cook and pastry chef. Settled in Philly since 2018, he’s now manning Manny’s, a pop-up serving the Peruvian meals he grew up with.

On the menu at South Philly’s Brewery ARS and Cartesian Brewing this summer: ceviche, aji de gallina, and arroz con pollo or camarones, alongside a rotation of local dishes and, occasionally, sandwiches like a butifarra — brined and achiote-marinated pork with pickled onions. Continued reading…

Manuel Ruiz will be holding Manny’s Peruvian pop-up at Brewery ARS on June 27, July 11, and July 26. (Photo courtesy of Manuel Ruiz)

RECAP: What else happened?

$ = paywalled

• Pennsylvania’s historic preservation tax credit program has an annual cap of $5 million. Legislation moving through Harrisburg could change that. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly]

• SEPTA and the union representing Regional Rail locomotive engineers have reached a tentative contract agreement that will boost wages, currently about 20% lower than comparable railroads in the region. [Inquirer$]

• Five charter schools are joining the 20 Philadelphia public schools that will offer extra tutoring and enrichment programs for students beginning in the fallMayor Parker announced. [WHYY]

• Data shows 21 Philadelphia-area hospitals lost money in 2023, posing a “significant threat” to health care in the region. [BizJournal$]

• UArts students and faculty have mixed opinions on a possible Temple mergerwondering if their fallen school’s uniqueness can exist at other institutions. [Temple News]

• New LED lights are in place on the rooftops of 10 adjacent buildings and at the base of City Hall’s clocktower. It’s the building’s first major lighting upgrade since 2004. [PhillyVoice]

• The Founding Footsteps trolley is launching a Taste of History Food Tour through Old City, Chinatown, and Italian Market family-owned businesses. [6ABC/FoundingFootsteps.com]

MAYOR WATCH

At 5 p.m., Mayor Parker will announce the launch of the Office of Latino Engagement’s Advisory Committee at City Hall.

Later, she’ll be at the Dell Music Center to take part in the Wawa Welcome America Black Music Month 45th Anniversary to celebrate Black Music Month, which traces its roots to Philadelphia.

At 6:30 p.m., Parker will join Mothers in Charge to celebrate the organization’s 21 years of combatting gun violence and supporting mothers and families.

ON THE CALENDAR

🛍️ Saturday, June 29: OURS x Civil Stock Pop-Up Social
Passyunk Ave’s Civil Stock general store brings a sidewalk pop-up to OURS in Northern Liberties with household essentials, groceries, gear, and cold beer. (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

📚 Saturday, June 29: Philly Indie Book Fair
From book signings to panel discussions, this event in Parkside is a bookworm’s paradise that will connect you with Philly’s vibrant literary scene. Free admission; $35 VIP. (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

🎤 Saturday, June 29: Rhythms of Liberations from Juneteenth to Beyond: RnB & Neo Soul
In honor of Black Music Month, the AAMP museum brings a free night of live music, food, and dance to their plaza in Old City. Come dressed for a throwback party to the 90s or early 2000s and join karaoke in between shopping from Black entrepreneurs. Free tickets available. (4 to 8 p.m.)

🐼 Saturday, June 29: South Philly Kids Fest
Head to Dickinson Square Park for a carnival-themed fun time with food and a screening of “Kung Fu Panda 4.” Bring your own picnic blankets and chairs! (6:30 p.m.)

🎆 Through Thursday, July 4: Wawa Welcome America events
Saturday night fireworks over the Delaware River, gospel on Independence Mall, Jazz on the Parkway and more are taking place around the city for Independence Day celebrations!