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.<\/p>\n
Mummers spent New Year’s Eve making final preparations across the city, including a Mummers-style ball drop on Two Street in South Philadelphia.<\/p>\n
Jon Brady, president of Froggy Carr, described the atmosphere as a “good atmosphere, a lot of camaraderie, good family.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Inside the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Fancy Brigades worked late to complete floats and performances.<\/p>\n
William Burke Jr., captain of the Golden Crown New Year Brigade, reflected on the longevity of his involvement.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
Golden Crown’s theme centers on the four seasons with a Japanese backdrop. Captain Bob Runowski said the effort behind the production is extensive.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
The Downtowners are preparing a jungle-themed performance. Their captain, Austin Sanborn, said the group is “pumped.”<\/p>\n
“We’re excited,” he said. “Adrenaline’s high.”<\/p>\n
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.”<\/p>\n
Performers hope the crowds appreciate the work behind the spectacle.<\/p>\n
“Just enjoy what we do because we love doing it and we love seeing people happy,” Sanborn said.<\/p>\n
Burke added, “I think it’s America’s best-kept secret.”<\/p>\n
The parade begins at 9 a.m. and is expected to end around 7 p.m.<\/p>\n
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