This Fourth of July weekend, communities in the tri-state area will host an explosion of patriotic celebrations with diverse events scheduled to satisfy virtually any audience.

Sunoco's Welcome America! began last Saturday and culminates nine days of activities around our Nation's Birthplace on Sunday. From 10-11 a.m. Friday, Mayor Michael Nutter honors this year's top high school graduates on Independence Mall. Following this opening ceremony is the Happy Birthday America Party near Sixth and Market Streets, featuring an enormous cake made of - what else - TastyKake.

Penn's Landing hosts the Super Scooper All-You-Can-Eat Ice Cream Festival from noon to 6 p.m. on the Great Plaza at Penn's Landing. Descendents of the original signers of the Declaration of Independence can tap the Liberty Bell at 2 p.m. The Party on the Parkway goes from 2-7 p.m., and the Southwest Airlines July 4th Parade marches down Benjamin Franklin Parkway from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

At 8:30 p.m., R&B artist John Legend performs outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art and his show is followed by a fireworks display.

Over in Cape May, N.J, the Congress Hall Hotel at 251 Beach Ave. offers entertainment options ranging from a three-legged race to a musical performance by the Billy D Light Trio. The night closes with fireworks over the ocean at 9:15 p.m.

Classic rock fans can sing along with Randy Bachman and watch fireworks at Cooper River Park in Camden. Or folks in the first state can attend Delaware's Independence Day Freedom Celebration, which runs from 4 to 10 p.m. near Water and South French Streets in Wilmington. The night's activities include music by the American Tribute Symphony Concert, gliding around on the Artificial Ice Skating Rink, and fireworks.

A one-ton cheese rendition of the Declaration of Independence promises to attract large crowds to Philadelphia's Bourse Building at 143 S. 3rd St., between noon and 4 p.m. Friday.

On Saturday, the 5th annual celebration at Peddler's Village at 5750 Upper York Rd. in New Hope kicks off at 4 p.m. and features food vendors, craft tables for children, and - of course - fireworks!

The Feel the Freedom Festival at the National Constitution Center on 525 Arch St. is open through the weekend. The popular Revolutionary War reenactment runs from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday.

Sunoco Welcome America! celebrations continue throughout the weekend. At 6:30 p.m. Saturday, native Philadelphians Boys II Men headline the Waterfront Concert & Festival on the Pearle Vision stage near Columbus Boulevard at Chestnut Street in Philadelphia.

Taste of Philadelphia runs from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday at the Great Plaza at Penn's Landing on Columbus Boulevard at Chestnut Street. More than 20 restaurants will be selling sample-size portions of popular dishes. In addition, the Ice Cream Festival continues noon-9 p.m. Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday at the same location.

For more information visit www.philly.com or www.americasbirthday.com.