6 ABC to stream Fancy Brigades

Alicia Vitarelli, of Channel 6, and Devan Kaney, of JAKIB Media.
Anthony Stagliano Jr., of the Fancy Brigades.
John Morris, Channel 6 vice president of content.

Fancy Brigade Association representatives last week visited 6 ABC, with station officials announcing that the Jan. 1, 2023 competition from the Pennsylvania Convention Center will be streamed live on 6ABC.com.

“We love a parade,” said Channel 6 vice president of content John Morris, reciting all the parades the station broadcasts.

A week after the competition, Channel 6 will air an hour-long highlights show, hosted by Alicia Vitarelli, with JAKIB Media’s Devan Kaney handling backstage/red carpet coverage.

“They put on Broadway-caliber performances,” Vitarelli said of the Fancy Brigades.

John Best’s team will produce the streaming and show, just as they do with the Thanksgiving parade. Behind-the-scenes rehearsals will also be part of the production.

“It will make great television,” Best said.

Joe Krause, managing partner of JAKIB Media, described Best as a “rock star.”

Anthony Stagliano Jr., Downtowners captain, said the 12 Fancy Brigade clubs will still march on Broad Street, in addition to the judged competition at the Convention Center, where they’ve performed since 1998.

The Fancy Brigades will also be part of the performers at the upcoming Thanksgiving parade. ••