Wawa celebrated the 60^th anniversary of opening its first store (in Folsom, if you’re curious) on Tuesday, in style writes Stephanie Farr for The Philadelphia Inquirer.  

The company honored its “Day Brighteners,” customers chosen by Wawa staff for their positive contributions to the Wawa experience. 

One of those was Pastor Marlon Jones who visits his Wawa on South Valley Forge Road in Lansdale, serenading the store with the theme song from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.

“I’m always looking for a place to belong,” Jones said. “That Wawa has embraced me in all of my quirkiness and craziness. I feel like I can be free there. It’s a safe place.”

 Free coffee was everywhere, offered at each of the 1,000 stores nationwide in the Wawa chain, served in retro ‘60s Wawa cups.

There was dancing in the streets at the Wawa flagship stare at Sixth and Chestnut Streets in Center City, accompanied by a three-piece band and Wawa mascots Wally Goose and Shorti Hoagie.

A Wawa exhibit at the National Constitution Center was unveiled, open until Sunday, showing major events in Wawa history.

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker also declared April 16, 2024 to be Wawa Day.

Read more about Wawa anniversary celebrations in The Philadelphia Inquirer.