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Mummers Parade Offers New Year A Lively Welcome

PHILADELPHIA (CBS/AP) — The Mummers Parade, a Philadelphia tradition for over a century, is offering 2017 a lively welcome.

The carnival-like celebration that draws tens of thousands of ornately costumed performers got underway Sunday amid mild winter temperatures and sunshine.

"I grew up watching it on TV, so I had a good feeling about seeing it on TV," explained one parade-goer. "But being here in person is just great... to feel the music."

"It looks like a good excuse for a party on wheels. All the trucks seem to be carrying beer and cigarettes."

The parade delights spectators along downtown city streets and at home in front of their televisions broadcasting the popular festivity live. Organizers this year have made extra efforts to ensure a more respectful and inclusive event.

The parade's image suffered in recent years from a string of racially and ethnically offensive displays. But since then, Mummers and the city offered voluntary sensitivity training and Mummers leaders published an open letter condemning expressions of hate and bigotry and also implemented sensitivity training.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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