The festivities get underway at the Pennsylvania Convention Center today
Fancy Brigade Finale
Jan. 1 may be known as New Year’s Day, but in Philly, it also happens to be the “fanciest” time of year, as in the Mummers Fancy Brigade Finale at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The indoor showcase, presented by the Mummers Fancy Brigade Association, is a highlight of the popular, long-standing Philadelphia Mummers Parade and the most comfortable and convenient way to enjoy the festivities. Some even describe it as a cross between a Broadway show and Mardi Gras, with elaborate costumes and massive props included. Months of preparation will come down to a four-and-a-half minute routine masterfully choreographed to high energy music by each of the 12 brigades.
The Mummers Fancy Brigade Association will present a family show at 11:30 a.m. and an identical, second show at 5 p.m. Both take place in Hall C of the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 11th and Arch streets.
Tickets for the Mummers Fancy Brigade Finale are on sale. Reserved, center section tickets for the family show and the judged show are $25; reserved seats in the two side sections are $20. Tickets for groups of 15 or more are $18 and $23. Groups greater than 45 will receive two complimentary tickets. Children ages 3 and under are admitted free. Food and refreshments are available for purchase at both shows. To order tickets, visit spectratix.com or call 800–298–4200. Tickets can also be purchased at the Independent Visitors Center.
For information on booking a group tour with the Mummers Fancy Brigades, contact Brittany De Meo via email at brittany.demeo@yahoo.com.
MummersFest (Dec. 28–31)
The four-day, interactive, family-friendly festival is also taking place at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Attendees can make-n-take crafts, try on authentic Mummers costumes for picture taking, and watch the clubs rehearse their routines. Knowledgeable and parade savvy veteran Mummers, all former club captains, will lead 30-minute backstage tours of the show props and floats.
MummersFest hours are:
Dec. 28–29: 4:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m.
Dec. 30: Noon–9:30 p.m.
Dec. 31: Noon–6 p.m.
Tickets ($4 per person) are available at the door of the Pennsylvania Convention Center, at the Independent Visitors Center and via spectratix.com.
Fancy Brigade Division
11:30 a.m. Fancy Brigade Family Show at the Pennsylvania Convention Center
Noon Fancy Brigades enter the parade route City Hall and march south to Washington Avenue
5 p.m. Fancy Brigade Judged Show at the Pennsylvania Convention Center
8 p.m. Fancy Brigade Finale Telecast on PHL 17
MARCHING ORDER
Bill McIntyre’s Shooting Stars: “Beyond the Stars”
2nd Street Shooters: “Sugar N Spice, BUT Not so Nice”
Purple Magic: “Voodoo”
Clevemore: “Lights, Camera, Action”
Golden Crown: “Out of the Web”
Avenuers: “A Whole Zoo World”
Downtowners: “Master-Pieces”
Jokers: “The Book of Wizardry — a Sorcerer’s Guide”
Saturnalian: “The Greatest Show on Earth”
Satin Slipper: “Pagemaster”
South Philly Vikings: “King Neptune’s Return to the Reef”
Spartans: “Masquerade”
