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New Year’s Day in South Philadelphia is synonymous with the Mummers Parade and so many wait to see the ornate costumes and choreographed routines of the Fancy Brigades. The brigades’ creative entertainment makes them unforgettable. With that being said, it’s no wonder why the Vikings were voted best Mummers Brigade. According to captain, Gerald Roccia, the group always tries to incorporate a different aspect into each routine — whether it’s within their dance moves or creatively arranging their props — to increase the excitement of the parade.
“We try to be different so we don’t get stale and when we start to put the show together, we think about how we can do a theme or story line a little differently,” he said.
The South Philly Vikings performed their first show in 1986 and have been moving up the ranks ever since. Over the last decade, the tight knit clan has taken home the top spot a total of six times. In 2010, they even appeared on the NBC reality series “America’s Got Talent.” Gathering at the group’s clubhouse at 1815 S. 11th Street, the Vikings usually start prepping for the parade after the serenade around mid-January. At the time of this issue, the Mummers have already turned in a sleuth of themes and ideas for next year’s event. But even with all the hard work ahead of them, Roccia, who has led the team for the past two years, was excited about winning over the hearts of the community and attendees who love the parade.
“It’s tremendous and for our fans and whoever voted for us to recognize that we’re good at something in our neighborhood is great,” he said.
The Jesters proved a funny fit for second place, with Quaker City resting peacefully in third.
Contact Managing Editor Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.
2014 Readers’ Choice Awards
Cuisine
Steak ‘Em Up French fries
Philip’s Steaks and Geno’s Steaks (tie) Cheesesteak
PrimoHoagies Hoagie
Lil Nick’s Deli Specialty sandwich
City Pizza Pizza crust
Green Eggs Cafe Brunch menu
Penrose Diner Omelet selection/Diner
Scannicchio’s Italian Restaurant Date night/BYOB
Ristorante Pesto Italian restaurant
Johnny Chang’s Ethnic restaurant (non-Italian)
Breezy’s Café New restaurant (January 2013 to present)
Stogie Joe’s Tavern Bar menu
Nick Elmi Top chef
Sweet Tooth
Isgro Pastries Cannoli/Bakery
Pop’s Water Ice Gelati
Potito’s Cupcakes
Termini Bros Cookies
People
Jason Douglas DJ
The Business Local band
Bobby Rydell South Philly celebrity
Dana Smith Elementary school teacher
Vikings Mummers Brigade
Carl Arrigale High school coach
Neumann-Goretti High school team
Bryan Hughes Youth/recreation league coach
Nick Foles Philly pro athlete
Places
DiBruno Bros. Italian specialty store
Galdo’s Catering Hall
Ten Pennies Florist
Monti Rago Funeral Home, Inc., Funeral home
Packer Park Neighborhood
Epiphany of Our Lord Church Church
Lombardi’s Prime Meats Butcher shop
TLA Music venue
On the Move
Planet Fitness Gym/health club
DanceAdelphia Ballet program
Barry Playground Community pool
Fitness Works Place to take a Pilates class
And Let’s Not Forget
Bartender Category not on this list
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