Mummers divisions want to return parade to Broad Street (Philadelphia)

Mummers divisions want to return parade to Broad Street
Associated Press

All four divisions of the Mummers Parade said they want to return to Broad Street for next year's parade, and a city official said he expects Mayor Street to go along.
"The mayor is inclined to do this. I don't see a problem," city Managing Director Phil Goldsmith said after meeting with Mummers leaders.
Dwindling crowds along South Broad Street led to a switch to Market Street for the annual New Year's Day event in 2000. But crowds didn't pack the route and the parade continued to be plagued by gaps, delays and cramped spaces.
Goldsmith met with Mummers leaders last night to discuss their desire to move back to Broad Street.
"I warned them the devil's in the details and the important thing is for them to continue to work together," Goldsmith said. "It's important to maintain the tradition but also to be relevant to today's audience."
"I'm ecstatic, and I'm happy for the people of South Philadelphia," said John Pignotti Jr., president of the String Band Association. "It's where the parade belongs."
The Mummers Parade features thousands of costumed men and women, some in elaborate outfits adorned with sequins and feathers, competing in four divisions - fancy, fancy brigade, string band and comic divisions. With roots that date back to pre-colonial days, the Mummers Parade typically draws more than 10,000 participants.

Good News for the Delaware Valley, a Philadelphia Tradition returns to Broad Street...

Owl_Eagle

”Guns Before Butter.”

I didn't realize it had been moved off of Broad Street. What a pity. Why had the crowds dwindled on Broad Street?

I want to say they moved it off Broad Street in 1998? Somewhere around then. The crowds hit a little bit of a valley as we'd had some unbelievably cold weather for 3 or straight New Year's Days leading up to the move to Market Street and the Convention Center (behind the Old Reading Terminal). Previous to that, they'd drawn well pretty much year in and year out.

The Mummers drew healthy crowds on Market street the last 4 or 5 years, when the weather cooperated (last year it was postponed a week, due to all day rain).

What a shame the Mummers Parade isn't televised regionally or nationally.

Now, mind you, I'm usually out on Broad Street or in the neighborhood enjoying roast pig and a few beverages of my own choosing, so I'll defer to another Freeper from the region, but I'm pretty sure they televise it at least locally, and I really seem to recall the last year it was on Broad Street getting some time nationally (maybe with the telecast of the Rose Bowl Parade???) But again, copious amounts of pork and adult beverages tend to cloud one's recollection...

Owl_Eagle

”Guns Before Butter.”

Yes, well consumption of copious amounts of adult beverages by observers AND participants has always been part of the Mummers tradition (though the string bands and the fancy brigades do try to stay sober at least until the judging is done).

When I lived in Philadelphia, I often when down to South Broad Street for a few hours. My office was in one of the buildings that faced onto City Hall, but the Mummers Parade is not an event to be watched from thirty stories up. As you say, beverages, pork and soft pretzels are too much a part of the tradition.

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.