PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Crowds are expected to fill Broad Street in Philadelphia on Thursday morning for the 125th Mummers Parade, continuing a New Year’s Day tradition that organizers and performers say is rooted in family, creativity and community spirit.
Mummers spent New Year’s Eve making final preparations across the city, including a Mummers-style ball drop on Two Street in South Philadelphia.
Jon Brady, president of Froggy Carr, described the atmosphere as a “good atmosphere, a lot of camaraderie, good family.”
Froggy Carr is among the groups joining an estimated 10,000 adults and children who will strut from City Hall south along Broad Street to Washington Avenue.
Inside the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Fancy Brigades worked late to complete floats and performances.
William Burke Jr., captain of the Golden Crown New Year Brigade, reflected on the longevity of his involvement.
“This is my 68th parade. I did it with my father. I do it with my son. I have five grandchildren in it right now, and it’s a family thing. It’s a family parade,” he said.
Golden Crown’s theme centers on the four seasons with a Japanese backdrop. Captain Bob Runowski said the effort behind the production is extensive.
“It’s a year-long process. The beginning of the year, it’s two to three nights a week,” he said. “The last couple of weeks, we’ve been in here 8-9 hours a day.”
The Downtowners are preparing a jungle-themed performance. Their captain, Austin Sanborn, said the group is “pumped.”
“We’re excited,” he said. “Adrenaline’s high.”
Bill McIntyre’s Shooting Stars are unveiling a performance featuring monsters unchained. Co-captain Mason P. Smith said, “I’m a 4th-generation Mummer, so it goes a long way, and it’s just an honor to keep doing this.”
Performers hope the crowds appreciate the work behind the spectacle.
“Just enjoy what we do because we love doing it and we love seeing people happy,” Sanborn said.
Burke added, “I think it’s America’s best-kept secret.”
The parade begins at 9 a.m. and is expected to end around 7 p.m.
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