Mummers trying to get more families to turn out

The mummers are working to make their annual strut more family friendly this year.  

In addition to the judges stand at 15th and Market Streets, the mummers will perform at five locations: where Broad Street intersects Shunk, Wolf, Washington, Pine and Sansom.

Parks and Recreation Commissioner Mike DiBernadinis says the spots will offer families a place to come in, warm up, drink some hot chocolate before heading back out to and watch the over 100 year tradition.

“Institutions and non-profits along Broad Street and the Avenue of the Arts have come together to put together a very special day and a great visitors and spectator’s experience,” said DiBernadinis.

George Badley  is head of Save The Mummers Fund, and will march for his fourth decade this year.  He says the parade is a great uniquely Philadelphia activity.

“It’s part of our identity we can’t let it get away, in fact we have to grow it we have to make it better,” said Badley.  “This is the Marti Gras of the city of Philadelphia and we need to promote it and make it bigger and better than ever.”

Mayor Michael Nutter says the parade is worth seeing in person.  “Its a fun time, it’s a great opportunity, these are artists and musicians who know how to put on a show,” said Nutter.

The mayor says the mummers parade isn’t something you will find anywhere else.