[PHILADELPHIA, PA] March 16, 2026 — As announced during today’s Welcome America Inc. press conference, Miss America 2026 Cassie Donegan will take part in the Wawa Welcome America Festival, a 16-day celebration in Philadelphia honoring the United States’ 250th anniversary this July.
The festivities begin Thursday, July 2, with the Salute to Service Concert at Independence Mall, featuring the U.S. Army Field Band & Soldiers’ Chorus and a headlining performance by award-winning entertainer Queen Latifah. The evening includes the presentation of the Wawa Foundation Salute to Service Award, recognizing a USO Center and volunteer who support active-duty service members and families, announcing more than $100,000 in program donations to USO initiatives. Miss America, in her official role as an Honorary Global USO Ambassador, will perform during the concert.
On Friday, July 3, the celebration continues with the Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade, returning as the largest professionally produced parade in the nation for America’s 250th anniversary. Miss America and all 52 state and territory brand ambassadors will participate along with 50 marching bands, 13 floats, military formations, historical groups, and international performers. The parade will travel through Philadelphia’s historic core, passing Independence Hall, City Hall, and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, before concluding at Broad and Chestnut Streets.
Ambassadors will ride in convertibles wearing show-stopping evening gowns and unforgettable shoes, celebrating Miss America’s beloved “Show Us Your Shoes” tradition. Dating back to the 1970s, the tradition began when parade spectators noticed delegates wearing slippers—or no shoes at all—and called out, “Show us your shoes!” Delegates lifted their feet in response, sparking a joyful moment that quickly became one of the organization’s most iconic parade traditions.
Ambassadors will also feature the America 250 commemorative sashes, first unveiled by the Miss America Organization on Presidents Day. The patriotic sashes will be worn throughout the Semiquincentennial year.
“The Semiquincentennial is a moment for our country to reflect on where we’ve been and where we’re going,” said Robin Fleming, CEO of the Miss America Organization. “During this landmark anniversary year, having all our brand ambassadors take part in this historic celebration is incredibly meaningful. These young women represent the talent, service, and leadership shaping the next chapter of the American story.”
As the nation prepares to mark 250 years of independence, Miss America’s presence at Wawa Welcome America reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to service, leadership, and celebrating the communities that shape the American experience.
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About Miss America
Miss America’s mission is Empowering Women to Lead with Purpose as the nation’s premier empowerment platform for young women. Founded in 1921, the iconic Miss America program is also America’s largest provider of tuition-only scholarship awards for women, distributing all scholarships through the Miss America’s Scholarship Foundation Inc. a tax-exempt nonprofit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.