2026 Second Time Arounders Philadelphia Trip
Celebrate America's 250th Birthday With Us!
As the nation celebrates the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America, the Second Time Arounders Marching Band, based in St. Petersburg, Florida, is honored to join the festivities in the city where it all began – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Rounders embodies the spirit of unity and community, making it a fitting participant in this significant celebration.
Current, former, and future band members are encouraged to sign up for the trip. Interested in joining the band? Learn more here.
When do I need to sign up for the trip?
NOW! A limited number of rooms at the centrally located Riverfront hotels are still available.
If you want to be in the center of the action, we highly encourage you to reserve your place today. We realize this is early, but we want to lock in hotel prices while they are still relatively low. We will do our best to accommodate those joining after the deadline, but availability at the most centrally located hotels will be limited and prices will, most likely, increase.
Who? All band members and tagalongs are encouraged to attend the trip.
What? The Salute To Independence Parade
When? July 1-5, with the parade happening on July 3rd
Where?
Philadelphia, PA (parade location)
Wilmington, DE (hotel location ~20 minutes from Philadelphia)
Option 1 – (Available Now) Band hotel block. The band has a hotel block on the vibrant riverfront in downtown Wilmington, DE. Why Wilmington? It’s an easy 20 minutes from downtown Philadelphia and much more affordable than the city. Plus the co-host band hotels listed below offer a beautiful waterfront setting.
- The Westin Wilmington
- 818 Shipyard Dr, Wilmington, DE 19801
- The Homewood Suites by Hilton Wilmington Downtown
- 820 Justison St, Wilmington, DE 19801
Option 2- No Hotel Room Package If you would like to stay somewhere other the band hotels, there will be a ‘no hotel’ package option that includes bus transportation to the parade and more.
Members can participate in group air travel, book their own air travel, or drive to the Wilmington area.
Group Air Options for Getting to/from Wilmington, DE / Philadelphia, PA
-Round-Trip: TPA/LAL to ILG/PHL to TPA/LAL – estimated @ $500.00-$575.00/ticket*
+ airline imposed checked baggage fees, if any.
-One-Way: TPA-LAL to ILG/PHL – estimated @ $300.00-$350.00/ticket*
+airline imposed checked bag fee, if any.
*Includes Charter Coach transfer to/from Rounders hotel (EITHER The Westin Wilmington -OR- Homewood Suites Wilmington Downtown) & Philadelphia (PHL) or Wilmington (ILG) Airport.
Can non-band members come too?
Yes! We encourage members to bring tagalongs. All members and tagalongs must have a trip package.
I want to join and I can play, but I don’t have my own instrument. Do you offer loaners?
Yes, we do loan out some instruments! Please email us to inquire about joining the band and getting a loaner instrument. 2xamarchingband@gmail.com
Will there be rehearsals? Can I skip them?
Members must attend all mandatory Philadelphia trip rehearsals
-3 mandatory rehearsals will take place in the greater Saint Petersburg area
-Absences to required rehearsals must be approved by the band director in advance
– Participation in the 2026 season and pre/season holiday events are recommended to get members ‘in shape’ for Philadelphia, but not required.
What if I have to cancel?
All payments are non-refundable. To minimize your personal risk, we highly recommend travel insurance. There are “cancel for any reason” policies available as well. You can visit this link to see our tour company’s recommended travel insurance, or purchase from your preferred travel insurance vendor.
Some credit cards offer travel insurance if you purchase with a credit card, so we encourage you to investigate this option as well.
I would like a roommate/carpool buddy/ but don’t have one yet. How do I find one?
To find a roommate ask around at rehearsal or ask in our Facebook Group.
Will there be a concert?
There has been discussion of the Rounders performing a concert downtown in Philadelphia. More details will be shared with the group when it becomes available.
What’s the deal with the parade?
Details about the Salute to Independence Parade are in the process of being confirmed. We know it will take place in downtown Philadelphia on July 3rd.
Is there parking at the hotels?
Yes! Parking at the Westin is free.
Will there be an equipment truck?
Yes! Each trip package includes transportation of large instruments and guard equipment in the Rounder’s equipment truck from St. Pete to Philadelphia area.
Can I march in the parade without booking a trip package?
No. With the enormity of this event, road closures and security will be a major issue. All performing members must ride the bus from Wilmington to Philadelphia. Please select the ‘No Hotel’ package option that includes bus transportation if you want to perform but not stay in the band hotel. Performing members not staying at the band hotel can meet the buses at the Westin Hotel in Wilmington (free parking).
If your question isn’t answered here, please email us at 2xamarchingband@gmail.com.
Coming Soon
I joined the band recently for Spring season 2025. I didn’t play my clarinet for 35 years. During my first band rehearsal, I was welcomed by Polly and Tracy with open arms. They assured me, playing was going to come back to me, I just had to trust the process.
Joining the band was the best decision I made! Never too late for dreams to come true! I was a concert band Clarinetist and to be a member of a Marching band was always my dream. My favorite event was St. Yago’s Knight parade in Ybor City. So many emotions on my first performance after so many years!
It’s hard to believe I’ve been performing with the Rounders for almost 10 years now! I’ve been to Seattle, New York City, and Dublin, Ireland with the band. For the first two trips I did the ‘no hotel’ option, I had an amazing time performing. For Dublin, I purchased the full trip package so I could stay at the band hotel and be closer to my friends. Wow, I didn’t think band trips could get to be more fun, but they did! Enjoying meals and activities with my bandmates outside of performance time was special and worth the price. I highly recommend booking a hotel package for Philly if you can! I’ve got mine already!
– Amanda, Piccolo
I joined the dance team, “Rounderettes,” 12 years ago. Who would have thought that I could go back in time and bring back my joy of dancing by marching/dancing in parades with the Rounders! My first year took us to Washington D.C. to march down Constitution Avenue in the Cherry Blossom Parade. It was beyond one of the most exhilirating experiences I had until the band took us to the Macy’s Parade in 2019! I felt like a celebrity both times. I love this band, it’s history and feel so proud to be included. I’m grateful for the founders and those who continue to keep us marching forward.
– Vicki, Roundette
