New Year's just wouldn't be New Year's in Philadelphia without the sequins, the feathers and of course, the music of the Mummers.
From the Comics and Fancy Divisions who strutted up Broad Street to the Fancy Brigades who performed at the Convention Center, this parade is a don't miss for Mummers and fans alike.
Joe Showers has been a Mummer for as long as he could remember.
"Almost all my life," said Showers, "since I was seven years old." He says he's been to every New Year's parade although sometime with different companies.
"Everybody here comes out every year. We have a big party every year," said Colleen Neil.
"I've never missed a parade. What's not to love? The people, South Philadelphia, the parade; it's a parade of people," said Alison Morett.
The String Bands are many people's favorites. Fans along the street loved Woodland's Ragin' Cajun theme.
"We picked this and actually put a committee together right after New Year's Day and we worked non-stop to develop themes, and this year we came out with great music, a great show, and that's what we put together to take on the street," said Tom Robison.
Even the weather cooperated to make this kick-off to 2011 picture-perfect.
After the parade is over the most of the string bands perform at the Show of Shows, and then they start working on their themes, costumes and music for next year.
