By Bill Gelman
The 63rd Annual Hero Thrill Show returns on Saturday, Sept. 23 outside the Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St., starting at noon. Like past years, there will be a kickoff pep rally taking place on Wednesday, Sept. 13 at 19th and Market streets in Center City. Thrill Show President/CEO Jimmy Binns, of Bella Vista, will lead the all-star lineup. The attorney is a Darby Township Highway Patrol officer and patron of the police and fire personnel.
The rally will serve as a preview of the crowd-drawing event coming to the sports complex. This year’s show will feature South Philly’s own Bob Pantano, who recently received word that he is being inducted into the Philadelphia Music Walk of Fame (see this week’s cover story by Lindsey Nolen). City Representative Sheila Hess of Packer Park, Police Highway Patrol Motorcycle Drill Team, K-9 unit, police mounted unit, Homeland Security/ S.W.AT. equipment, fire engines, displays of crime-fighting equipment by the Aviation Unit, Bomb Squad, the Crime Scene Investigation Unit, the Marine Unit, firearms instructors, Police Academy and S.W.A.T unit are also scheduled to appear. The show is designed to raise money for the college education of survivors of deceased police and fire personnel killed in the line of duty. The Phillie Phanatic, Swoop, Franklin, the Eagles Cheerleaders, the Sixers Dance Team and other local celebrities including a surprise legendary “mystery” music group to be announced at a later date will also attend. Individual tickets are $10 while a family five-pack is $25. Call 215–275–3000 or visit herothrillshow.org. …
Updating a story from last week’s Neighborhood Chatter, local boxer Christian Carto, who improved his record to 11–0 with 11 knockouts, will receive the Everett Brothers Award at the 10th Annual Briscoe Awards taking place on Sunday, Oct. 15 at Xfinity Live, 1100 Pattison Ave. The event serves as a celebration of the accomplishments from the Philly fight scene. Tyrone Brunson, who also calls South Philly home, will be honored with the Knockout of the Year Award as a result of his fourth round knockout over Carlos Hernandez. Tickets are $5. Call 609–377–6413 or visit briscoeawards.com. …
South Philly Comics, 1840 E. Passyunk Ave., is closing its doors after a five-and-half-year run. The store will be holding a wake on Sunday, Sept. 3 from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. The closing ceremony will include a memorial service from 8–9 p.m. on its last day. According to South Philly Comic’s Facebook post, “Johnny will say some crap and people are encouraged to say their peace as well.” Afterwards, patrons are invited to have a drink at Lucky 13 down the street. …
The South Philly Review’s 8th Annual Pizza Palooza presented by Liscio’s Bakery is just over a week away, taking place Thursday, Aug. 24 6–9 p.m. at Penns Landing Caterers, 1301 S. Columbus Blvd. Besides plenty of pizza from Key Pizza, Steak ’Em Up, Cascia’s, South View, SliCE, City Pizza, Millie’s and more, DJ King Arthur and the Mummers will be providing entertainment. Tickets — $10 in advance and $15 at the door — are still available. A family ticket, which includes two adults and up to four children (under the age of 12), is $30. Visit sprpizza.upcomingevents.com/pizza.
Have an event or news to share? Email bgelman@bsmphilly.com.
