Jan 7, 2026 - News

52 weeks of "firsts" sculptures pop up across Philly

Mike D'Onofrio

Three sculptures in the shape of the number 1 each with different designs, including a hot air balloon and cookies, Girl Scout badges. — From left, these sculptures mark the first folk festival, first balloon flight and first public Girl Scout cookie sale in the U.S. Photos: Courtesy of Gustavo Garcia/Colibrí Workshop

New sculptures are popping up across the city in the shape of a giant No. 1.

Driving the news: They're part of a yearlong series dubbed "52 Weeks of Firsts," each painted by artists to mark a milestone that happened right here in Philly first.

For example: The first balloon flight in America (1793) near Washington Square and public Girl Scout cookie sale (1933) in Center City.

What else: The project, from the Philadelphia Historic District 250th Committee, also includes Saturday festivals every weekend to mark each first, which will include performances and family-friendly activities.

This Saturday's festival is at the Mummers Museum in South Philly from 11am-1pm, which will mark America's first folk parade (1901).

Go deeper: Find sculpture locations and upcoming festivals on Visit Philly's website.

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52 weeks of "firsts" sculptures pop up across Philly

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