by Alex Lloyd Gross

Back in the day, if you wanted to go to the Mummers Parade,  and arrived on Broad Street by 11:00 AM,  you were about 12 deep in line. It was wall to wall people, freezing their asses off on both sides of Broad Street. Many got their positions by coming early. Jan 2,  2022 if you arrived anywhere along Broad Street at 11:00 AM, you could sit on the curb and be with your friends. You automatically social distanced whether you wanted to or not.attendance was down.

Why? Was it COVID concerns? The weather was great for a parade. Yes, the rain pushed the parade back one day and the Eagles played Washington in an away game about the same time that the string bands would start. With streaming devices and even portable radios, fans could attend the parade and not miss much of the game. So why was the attendance down? You cannot ask people that were not there, but you can ask people that did show up. Those that were there, loved it.

They showed up from Reading Pa,  and from across town.  The string bands were a crowd favorite.  This year was no different. They are usually escorted by local politicians but this year, there was nobody. Woodland showed up, played their music and it was on.  A brief break in between each act, and for about two hours and 30 minutes, the crowd that was there was delighted.

The parade originated by city hall and Mummers marched south on Broad Street, ending about Washington Avenue, as opposed to having the city hall  area being the destination. Just about all 14 contenders used confetti guns, which was a nice visual. Unfortunately, some used colored smoke, which resulted in what could only be described as colored pixie dust raining down on the crowd. Many complained. It got into their eyes, down their throats and on their clothes. Even String Band Officials  were frustrated.

It was not all string bands, fancy’s, comics and wenches all got the opportunity to march.

Fancy Division that played at the PA Convention Center yesterday  have their results in. They are as follows:

Fancy Brigade Division Results 

1. Saturnalian
2. South Philly Vikings
3. Jokers
4. Avenuers
5. Spartans
6. Golden crown
7. Downtowners
8. Shooting Stars
9. Satin Slipper
10. 2nd Street Shooters
11. Clevemore
12. Purple magic

Fancy Brigade Captain

1. Saturnalian
2. South Philly Vikings
3. Jokers
4. Spartans
5. Golden Crown
6. Avenuers
7. Downtowners
8. Shooting Stars
9. 2nd Street Shooters
10. Satin Slipper
11. Clevemore
12. Purple Magic