mummers parade philadelphia 2009

PHILADELPHIA -- The Mummers won't be strutting quite as long as usual during their annual New Year's parade today, but perhaps that's just as well considering the weather.

Thousands are expected to brave near-freezing temperatures to celebrate 2009 Philadelphia-style, watching the parade of comics, musicians and others dressed in elaborate costumes of satin, sequins and feathers.


"The Mummers Parade is synonymous with the city of Philadelphia, like Geno's Steaks is, like soft pretzels are, like the Liberty Bell is," said Rich Porco, a Mummer for 51 years. "We're goodwill ambassadors."



But the Mardi Gras-like festivities almost didn't happen this year after the cash-strapped city withdrew more than $400,000 in support. The event was saved through last-minute private fundraising and an agreement to shorten the hours-long pageant, during which about 15,000 participants parade two-and-a-half miles through the heart of the city.

It would have been only the third time since 1901 that the parade would have been canceled. There was no parade in 1919 because of World War I, nor in 1934 due to the Depression and lack of prize money.

The Mummers Parade steps off at 10 a.m. today with the Comic division near Broad and Washington Streets, at 10:30 a.m. at Broad and Snyder for the Fancy division, and at 10:20 a.m. at Broad and Oregon for the String Bands and Fancy Brigades.

Information: Philadelphia Department of Recreation 215-683-3691 or 683-3595.

Transportation: SEPTA will reroute buses that intersect with the parade (Routes 2, 7, 17, 23, 27, 29, 31, 32, 33, 37, 38, 44, 48, 57, 64, 68, 79, 124/125, C and G). The SEPTA Customer Service line, 215-580-7800, will be on 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the parade.