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'It's A Philly Thing': Mummers Strut Through City For 119th Annual New Year's Day Parade

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PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Happy New Year's day! The 119th annual Mummers Parade is in full swing, with thousands of performers strutting down Broad Street.

The Philly tradition is packed with Mummers dressed in colorful, lavish costumes and spectators taking it all in.

It's a tradition nearing 120 years in our city. And not only is a way to celebrate the new year, but also a way to celebrate families.

Tons of families came out Tuesday to take in the experience together and ring in 2019 the only way we know how in Philadelphia -- with the Mummers Parade.

"My god, it's been here for a zillion years," spectator Kim Mongan said. "Everyone works so hard on their costumes and it's a really good way to spend time with friends and family."

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"We to to come out and catch a glimpse of the them as the day goes on," spectator Costas Lallas said. "It's a Philly thing so it keeps us unique in that respect."

A lot of the brigades have been working all year long just for today's event and they are excited to finally perform in front of the judges.

The judging station will be at 15th and Market streets.

There's also three other performance areas. They're at Broad and Samson Streets, Broad and Pine Streets, and Broad and Carpenter Streets.

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Planning starts in February, music preparations begin in March or April. Ideas are flowing and painting and building happens through the summer.

After the performances are over and the judging is complete, many brigades head to Mummers Row.

And tonight, as celebrations continue there will be a big show at the convention center.

PARADE RESULTS

String bands

  1. Quaker City -- 97.90
  2. South Philadelphia -- 96.38
  3. Woodland -- 95.95

Comics

  1. Murray
  2. Goodtimers
  3. Landi

Wench brigades

  1. Pirates (Silver Me Timbers theme) -- 259
  2. Riverfront (Carson's Wenches theme) -- 257
  3. Cara Liom (Alice In Mummerland theme)  -- 255

 

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