Deal to keep Mummers marching

The Mummers will only have to cover about $40,000 in expenses for their annual parade after a combination of reduced costs and private donations.

The city of Philadelphia has reached a financial deal that will guarantee the annual Mummers Parade will step-off on New Year’s Day, weather-permitting. The goal is to preserve the event for generations to come.

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[audio: 091230tmparade.mp3]

The Mummers will only have to cover about $40,000 in expenses for their annual parade after a combination of reduced costs and private donations. Mayor Michael Nutter says the goal is to make the event as efficient as possible, but also to preserve the annual strut as a part of the city’s heritage.

Nutter: Our effort, our goal has always been to retain this tradition and many others. This has really been more about the economics that have affected all of us, city government, the private sector and even the mummers directly. But our commitment and goal is to make sure this parade continues in the city every year for all the rest of our respective lifetimes and beyond.

Congressman Bob Brady says the biggest supporter of the private fund-raising effort is Joey Vento, who gave a check for $40,000 to help defer the over $140,000 cost of the New Years tradition.