Locals enjoy spring-like weather in February

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- In a month when people are normally bundled up and digging out, the temperatures climbed and layers were shed as people enjoyed an unusually warm February day.

"I've been out since - what - 9 o' clock this morning in short sleeves? We got to enjoy it while we have it," said Hope Borden of Maple Shade, New Jersey.

With weather this nice, plenty of people moved their workouts outside.

"I usually hit the gym, but with it being so nice out today, I had to hit the steps," said Brett Blackwell of Fairmount.

Blackwell wasn't alone on the Art Museum steps, and was already plotting more outdoor activities.

"I think there's something going on in Manayunk," said Blackwell.

That would be the Mummers Mardi Gras Parade, bringing string bands down Main Street in what musicians call perfect playing weather.

"Mummers love this kind of weather. We love this kind of weather because it's not too hot. It's certainly not cold. It's good for the instruments and it's good for the fans, cause the people will come out and see you play," said Joe Pfefferly, Aqua String Band.

For one family from Roxborough, the parade is just part of their warm weekend plans.

"We're going to stay outside as much as possible. So we're going to go for a hike in the Wissahickon, and just play outside as much as possible," said Mara Cooper of Roxborough.

We found some athletes from UConn on Independence Mall, enjoying a much-needed break from winter.

"We just got like 20 inches of snow two weeks ago, so this is such a nice change. And I'm from Florida so I love the sunshine," said UConn student Jackie Fitz-Randolph from Tampa.

The Babcock family came to see the Liberty Bell, but the fresh air and sunshine was attraction enough for the little ones.

"Oh yeah they're loving it. They're running around. He's old enough to kind of enjoy the historical stuff, but she's just glad to be outside," said Eliza Babcock of Haddonfield, New Jersey.

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