Mummers Day Hike

3 hours, 2-5 miles, we will walk around the parade route, and the preparation route to view and walk with String-bands.

The New Years Mummer Parade in Philadelphia started in 1901 making it the longest-running continuous parade in the US. There are 3 parts or divisions: The Fancies, The Comics, & The Stringbands. The Fancies have beautiful costumes, but I'm not sure if they march down the parade route. The Comic division dress is more like Mardi Gras clown type costumes. They march with recorded music. The Stringbands dress in elaborate costumes, use incredible makeup, play their own music, and perform a dance-like routine at many places along the route. You can see them better in the prep area before they march down Broad St. That's where we will we watch them, without the crowds.
In the past women were not allowed to march. Now, they are an integral part of the parade. There is a big difference between the various Stringbands in terms of the musical presentation and the costumes. You want to see the best ones.

PARKING
There is plenty of free parking on Sedgley Dr on the other side of Kelly Drive from Lloyd Hall.

NOTE TO FOLKS NEW TO PHILA
Even better than the parade on Broad St, go down to 2 (Second) St in South Philly in the evening for an incredible Mardi Gras celebration with many string bands playing and lots of revelry. Everyone should go at least once. The party starts after dark near 2nd and Washington. Head south from there.

GENERAL RULES : ••Hike at my pace. ••Hike lengths are approx: allow 30min -1hr extra. ••Donation requested. All monies donated to recreational charities like Natural Lands and the Friends of Wissahickon. •• For ~360 events each year donate $20 (2025), $30 for 2 or family or donate $5 for each event. ••Pay in person or at Zelle (215 247-4459). Thanks. The yearly donation goes down to $15 July-Aug; to $10 in Sept-Nov; Dec new year.