Philly needs 5,000 more "Phambassadors" for America's 250th

Driving the news: Tourism officials are holding several recruiting drives this month to help reach their goal, including one on Oct. 30 at Triple Bottom Brewing.

What they're saying: Residents' unmatched "love and devotion" to the city will shine brightest "when the spotlight is on us in 2026," Kathryn Ott Lovell, president of the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corp, said in a statement.

• "Our Phambassadors will be ready," Ott Lovell said.

Context: The Philadelphia Visitor Center Corp. and Visit Philly launched the campaign in April, searching for people who know Philly's hot spots and deep history.

• Phambassadors will volunteer at pop-up sites throughout the city, promoting civic pride and shaping tourists' views of the city.
• After signing a pledge, volunteers must attend an upcoming Pham Camp and "level up" throughout the year by volunteering at events.

The intrigue: Residents have risen to the occasion. Last month's second Pham Camp, which sold out in under 72 hours, drew 150 attendees.

• The 5,000th person to join the program recently received an 18-pound ham to mark the milestone.

Follow along: The group is posting updates on its Instagram.