RESULTS:
2012 FANCY DIVISION - HOG ISLAND
2012 STRING BAND DIVISION - WOODLAND
2012 COMIC DIVISION - MURRAY
2012 FANCY BRIGADES DIVISION - SOUTH PHILLY VIKINGS
Click here for full results
Marchers trekked up the wide avenue, stopping occasionally to play music for the thousands who lined the route to enjoy the century-old tradition, which combines the celebratory practices of immigrant groups that shaped the city.
Parade day was blessed with unusually balmy temperatures in the low 50s and bright sunshine.
Brian and Tracy Rivera of Philadelphia, both 32, arrived hours after the parade began but managed to find a place along the route to pitch some folding chairs for themselves and three face-painted youngsters.
"We're here every year. We just come here to have a good time," said Brian Rivera, who sported a tall green hat that matched his Philadelphia Eagles jersey.
Linda Delfino of Audubon, N.J., said several of her relatives were in the Polish American string band - and they won't be the last in the family to take part.
"She'll be the next one," Delfino said, pointing to 4-year-old Kayla.
The Mummers Parade is believed to be the nation's oldest folk festival. It mixes the immigrant traditions of the Scandinavians who welcomed the new year with gunfire, the English and Welsh who entertained with masquerade plays, and the Germans credited with introducing Santa Claus to their new surroundings.
Black residents arriving after the Civil War added the signature strut along with "Oh! Dem Golden Slippers," the parade's theme song. The parade became an official city-sponsored event in 1901.
Forced by City Hall construction to change the parade route slightly this year, organizers vowed a more family-friendly event with more bleacher seating and a big screen showing the parade.
Among the throngs, people stood atop low walls or trash containers - or their parents' shoulders - for a better view. Before the arrival of each new club, some dashed out onto the parade route and performed impromptu dances for the cheering crowd. And even when no string bands were near, horns and other noisemakers sold along the route kept up a steady cacophony.
Terry Muto, 56, and Betsy Forbes, 51, of the Coatesville area in suburban Philadelphia, stood leaning on a barricade, both wearing black coats and jeans and hats. Muto had fashioned a wide lavender ribbon, which happened to blow by, into a necktie to round out his ensemble.
"People thought we were Indiana Jones and Reba McIntyre," Forbes said. "We're just wearing hats so we don't have blowy hair."
The two have attended the parade for several years, and like to walk around the city and admire the architecture.
"I love to watch people," Forbes said. "People are so fun. All we have is chickens and pigs at home."
All around them, revelers sounded horns while waiting for more string bands and marching groups to arrive.
Marchers ended their trek near City Hall where judges were situated to assess three of four divisions.
The most elaborate performances and costumes would be judged at an evening show at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
Woodland finished first among the string bands, and was followed in the standings by Quaker City, South Philadelphia, Ferko and Fralinger.
In the fancy division, Hog Island topped Golden Sunrise.
In the comic division, Murray topped Landi and Goodtimers.
In the fancy brigades, the South Philly Vikings took the top spot and were followed by Shooting Stars, Jokes, Golden Crown and the Downtowners.
