In Philadelphia, hang out with Betsy Ross and other patriots on Flag Day

Philadelphia is really showing off its red, white and blue for Flag Day, which is officially Sunday.

The city plans to mark the 238th birthday of the American flag as well as the 240th birthday of the U.S. Army with a Stripes and Stars Festival that day.

Yes, Philadelphia lays claim to the first American flag. Betsy Ross made the 13-star flag at her home at 239 Arch St.

The festival begins Sunday with the raising of a 13-star flag at her home at 10 a.m., and Ross (a historical re-enactor) will be on hand throughout the day.

At 12:30 p.m., 13 newly naturalized American citizens will take the Oath of Allegiance in a service that includes a flag-folding ceremony (here’s how it’s done) and a reading of the city’s document that proclaimed June 14 as Flag Day.

Activities at the Ross House are free; $5 gets you a tour of the house.

Not far away, the National Constitution Center at 525 Arch St. will raise a 50-star flag at 10:30 a.m. followed by a parade of military troops along Independence Mall.

U.S. Army soldiers will officially enlist in a ceremony, and a skydiving team will provide an aerial show on the mall.

The center will host arts and crafts and flag-etiquette workshops. A reduced admission of $5 (it usually costs $14.50 for adults and $8 for children) gets you into the center. You may buy tickets online.

Info: National Constitution Center, Betsy Ross House