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New Security Measures For Two Street On New Year's Day

By Pat Loeb

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- If you like your Mummers Parade on Two Street, after the Broad Street march, be aware: new security measures will be in effect this year.

Just as with the Pope's visit, there will be fences.

Instead of the wooden saw horses Philadelphia police use to block streets, metal bicycle-rack fencing will seal off Two Street from Washington Avenue to Ritner Street.

Two Street
2nd and Reed. (credit: Mike DeNardo/KYW)

It's a way to separate the mummers from the increasingly large and unruly crowds that show up to watch the informal march. Comic Division President Richard Porco says it was a necessary.

"It would take you all night to get to your... if you did have a club on Second Street or if you didn't and you're parading down Second Street it was like, hurry up and wait."

The mummers worked with neighbors and police. Pennsport Civic Association Jim Moylan says the police worked with federal Homeland Security officials on fencing and measures such as a no backpack rule.

"We're looking to maintain the tradition and make it a safe and family event for everyone."

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