Spending the First Day of 2009 on Two Street
Despite the unfortunate bout of Killer Christmas Virus, I managed to rally enough to make it down to the Mummer's Parade for at least part of the day.
The cold, cold day.
Nevertheless, it was worth it to see the many sparkly boys and men and their skirts. It was an especially friendly and exuberant parade this year because it nearly didn't happen. It was something of a Christmas miracle -- or a New Year's one, I guess. Everywhere I've been in Philadelphia, there were penny jars out collecting for the Mummer's Parade, and businesses small and large kicked in to cover the costs of police, sanitation and the like. Even the Mummers themselves -- who usually march for prizes that help them cover the considerable costs of their costumes, etc -- marched for no prize money. It was amazing all around.
One of the best parts was that the traditional afterparty on Second Street -- which is where most of the NYAs and NYCs (New Year's Associations and New Year's Clubs) have their club houses -- which was supposed to be canceled because of the aforementioned lack of money instead went on with offduty cops and paramedics volunteering to cover the street. The city originally threatened to fine every band that played on "Two Street," but when the neighbors offered to stand on the corners and serenade the Mummers instead, the city relented.
It ended up being a great party -- not too crowded, with everyone in a terrific mood. It's always great to see everyone, and this year was extra-special because my brother's childhood friend Frank had his son march in the parade for the first time. He's thirteen -- which is about 11 years older than kids usually start -- and he was both mortified and really excited that he had such a large cheering section.
A snippet of the early fun on Two Street:
The winning String Band, Fralinger, for the 7th year in a row:
Some of Francis's fellow Froggy Carr Pirates. (Note the spray-painted gold sneakers, which are supposed to emulate Golden Slippers, since the official Mummer's theme song is Oh, Dem Golden Slippers):
Some Mummers, pretty in pink:
A Greater Overbrook baby penguin, who had about had it at this point:
Strutting in style:
The proud papa of new Mummer Francis is on the left. Randomly, the guy on the right is apparently one of the best hip-hop producers in the world. Frank (the dad) is one of the photographers for his main group, Jedi Mind Tricks, and another friend of my brother's is their business manager.
And finally, especially for miss_begonia, here's High School Musical Mummers. (I hope it's not too dark to see.) There were also Grade School Musical Mummers, but someone in that brigade had a heart attack, so no pictures:
Seriously, the Mummer's Parade always makes me happy. I've been sad every year that I've been too far away to either attend the parade or at least watch it on tv. I can't comprehend a world where New Year's Day is mostly used to recover from the night before's hangover, and not for standing on a street corner, freezing and dancing in equal measures.
Happy 2009 Everyone! May it be as nifty as today's parade/
The cold, cold day.
Nevertheless, it was worth it to see the many sparkly boys and men and their skirts. It was an especially friendly and exuberant parade this year because it nearly didn't happen. It was something of a Christmas miracle -- or a New Year's one, I guess. Everywhere I've been in Philadelphia, there were penny jars out collecting for the Mummer's Parade, and businesses small and large kicked in to cover the costs of police, sanitation and the like. Even the Mummers themselves -- who usually march for prizes that help them cover the considerable costs of their costumes, etc -- marched for no prize money. It was amazing all around.
One of the best parts was that the traditional afterparty on Second Street -- which is where most of the NYAs and NYCs (New Year's Associations and New Year's Clubs) have their club houses -- which was supposed to be canceled because of the aforementioned lack of money instead went on with offduty cops and paramedics volunteering to cover the street. The city originally threatened to fine every band that played on "Two Street," but when the neighbors offered to stand on the corners and serenade the Mummers instead, the city relented.
It ended up being a great party -- not too crowded, with everyone in a terrific mood. It's always great to see everyone, and this year was extra-special because my brother's childhood friend Frank had his son march in the parade for the first time. He's thirteen -- which is about 11 years older than kids usually start -- and he was both mortified and really excited that he had such a large cheering section.
A snippet of the early fun on Two Street:
The winning String Band, Fralinger, for the 7th year in a row:
Click to viewSome of Francis's fellow Froggy Carr Pirates. (Note the spray-painted gold sneakers, which are supposed to emulate Golden Slippers, since the official Mummer's theme song is Oh, Dem Golden Slippers):
Some Mummers, pretty in pink:
A Greater Overbrook baby penguin, who had about had it at this point:
Strutting in style:
The proud papa of new Mummer Francis is on the left. Randomly, the guy on the right is apparently one of the best hip-hop producers in the world. Frank (the dad) is one of the photographers for his main group, Jedi Mind Tricks, and another friend of my brother's is their business manager.
And finally, especially for miss_begonia, here's High School Musical Mummers. (I hope it's not too dark to see.) There were also Grade School Musical Mummers, but someone in that brigade had a heart attack, so no pictures:
Seriously, the Mummer's Parade always makes me happy. I've been sad every year that I've been too far away to either attend the parade or at least watch it on tv. I can't comprehend a world where New Year's Day is mostly used to recover from the night before's hangover, and not for standing on a street corner, freezing and dancing in equal measures.
Happy 2009 Everyone! May it be as nifty as today's parade/