Wawa, the Delco-based chain of convenience stores, has extended its status as the title sponsor of Wawa Welcome America, the eight-day festival in Philadelphia that culminates on the Fourth of July, writes Kenneth Hilario of the Philadelphia Business Journal.

Approximately a half-million people are expected to attend the fun, which starts June 27.

“We look forward to bringing back our signature Wawa events like Hoagie Day while contributing to the overall vision of the festival to create free, family fun that honors our nation’s history in such a meaningful way,” Wawa President and CEO Chris Gheysens told the Journal.

Comcast NBCUniversal will present Wawa Welcome America! through a long-term corporate partnership that will help grow the festival’s “national visibility, enhance neighborhood community activities, and will provide the capability to partner with the Comcast NBCUniversal portfolio,” according to Welcome America Inc.

With the Comcast Corporation on board, people all across the region will now be able to experience the festivities on television and online like never before.

Click here to read more about Wawa’s extended sponsorship with Welcome America.