PHILADEPHIA, Pa. – A Mummers melody is played by more two dozen musicians in costume, and a news conference features a conspicuous colonial.
“This seems to be powered by some sort of electricity,” said a Ben Franklin impersonator at the podium.
Ben Franklin and Betsy Ross are on hand for the celebration of the unveiling of the Mummer’s 125th anniversary, coinciding with America’s 250th birthday.
“It’s amazing. We are super excited to bring in to really be the first event of the two, 2/50 year, you know, of our country,” said Jessica Mazzone.
Mazzone heads the Comic Division and has been a part of the parade since the age of two.
“I’m just excited to be back on there on the street again and just see all the clubs. Like I said, bring in the new year with a huge celebration,” she said.
5 divisions, 35 Brigades, 10,000 Mummers are set to strut through Philadelphia, starting at City Hall.
“This is a once in a lifetime. You know, momentous occasion to us, and we want to, we want to really, you know, celebrate it as best we can,” said President of the Philadelphia Mummers String Band Association Sam Regalbuto.
For the 4th year and now until at least 2028, WFMZ-TV and ME-TV2 are broadcasting and streaming the live event from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on New Year’s Day.
“So, we’re just pleased to be a part of it, carry the tradition on. Because, you know, we’re all about history, right? And with our 50th anniversary being here, we look back on 50 years, and we’re just proud that we could contribute in this way” WFMZ-TV GM Barry Fisher said of the station’s commitment.