‘Hummers’ will strut through Middletown rain or shine

Middletown, Delaware’s version of Philadelphia’s Mummers Parade is a bit “off-color.” But that’s the point.

Middletown’s annual Hummers Parade on New Year’s Day is more than a parody of Philadelphia’s Mummers Parade.

It is a parody of life itself, a “time out from political correctness and to just have fun,” according to the parade’s self-appointed “Grand Marshall for Life,” Jack Shreppler.

“The hallmark of the parade is disorganization and its irreverent exuberance,” he said. “Many people will parody some public person who has stepped in it in some way, be they politicians or athletes or actors, singers, whatever. Sometimes it’s a little off-color but always well intentioned.”

The parade, now in its 40th year, is scheduled to begin at about 1 p.m. on New Year’s Day.

Schreppler says there is no membership list or dues. He says revelers interested in strutting through Middletown with some kind of impromptu act or routine just need to show up about a half-hour before the start at the intersection of West Cochran and South Cass streets in Middletown.

Those interested in viewing the event are encouraged to line up along South Broad Street or Main Street.

And unlike the Mummers Parade, Schreppler says his event will go off rain, shine or high winds.

“Our duct tape holds up better than their feathers,” he said.

As for any hints as to what characters may make an appearance this year, Schreppler added: “perhaps a prominent golfer.”