" MURRAY WINS 11- HOGS WIN FANCY- "SOUND" ROLLS 7- STARS KEEP FIRST"

 

        With frigid temps and a biting wind, the 2009 Mummers Parade, stepped off, strutted off and kept their thermal underwear well in tune to keep warm.  Although the attending crowds along South Broad Street were thin, it was well attended around the city hall judging area.  The sun did shine as the afternoon began to unfold, and the mummers came, no prize money would await them, but they came like they have been doing since 1901.  For those who keep accurate records, only two years that there was no parade on Broad Street, 1918, because of the influenza out break and 1933, because of the depression, not saying that in certain neighborhoods, various mummer revelry did not occur on those two dates.  The 2009 Mummers Parade was under attack from budget cuts, this coming from the City's quest to face a major debt. But, through the efforts of those who appreciate the tradition, the 2009 Mummers Parade made it in time to meet the time restrictions and then, for some, the street beat procession made it's way down Second Street.

 

        When the voices and musical sounds of the day ended, the winners from each division were announced, and even though, no prize money, the pride of mummer accomplishment reached a new milestone.  So, we now reach out to those who are number one, starting with the Murray Comic Club, who tied the record by winning it's eleventh first prize.  The hard work of Rich Porco, the president, Mike Stermel, the vice-president, plus all those who parade under the Murray banner, it was truly a victory.  Dennis Pelligrino, captain of Murray, secured another first among the comic club captains, his "Indiana Jones Searching For Mummers Gold", was a clever as well as entertaining.  Two Street Stompers Comic Brigade secured first prize with their "High School Musical Mummer".  Jerry Murray Esq., captain of B'Love Strutters Comic Brigade, awarded first prize comic club captain.  It is to be noted that Jerry suffered a heart attack while performing in front of the judges, he is in critical condition in the hospital, and prayers are requested on his behalf.  The power of the Froggy Carr Wench Brigade was once again the street beat of those who continue the true tradition of mummery.  Froggy was awarded first among the Wench Brigades.

 

          The Fancies arrive just as the sun is at it's glory.  With sunshine and the colors that the Fancies bring, one is treated to the creative minds and hands of these very talented mummers.  Hog Island Fancy Club, with it's entry's, reached out and secured first prize.  Ken Medeiros, captain, of Hog Island, no stranger to a first prize status, was awarded first among the Fancy Club Captains.  Ken presented a "Mardi Gras Revue".  Peter DiMatteo Jr., a power among those who parade in the prestigious "Handsome Costume" Category, awarded first with his "That Voodoo That U Do" presentation.  Peter is president and founder of the Adelphia Fancy Club. 

 

        The String Bands, those musical mummer ambassadors, arrive each New Year's Day.  With costume, props and their instruments, they serenade all with a variety of themes.  Thus, when the last note is heard, and the awards are announced, it was the "sound", that for the past six parades secured first once again.  The "sound" being the Fralinger organization made it seven in a row with "Your Wish Is My Command".  It was expected that when Charlie Roetz made his debut as captain of Quaker City String Band, he would be noticed.  And, was he ever noticed, his movements and dance routines, brought him first prize among the string band captains. 

 

        Those Fancy Brigades who dare to bring your imagination filled with their choreographic moves combined with costumes, props and never ending excitement.  Every area of their performance is always greeted with loud applause.  Indoors at the Penna. Convention Center, the stage is the center for these brigades, and they deliver.  Shooting Stars, for the second year in a row, awarded first.  The Stars are a power house, when they come upon that stage, they leave nothing undone, and when they finish, you will stand and scream "bravo"!!   Pete D'Amato, captain of the South Philly Vikings, awarded first among the Fancy Brigade Captains.

 

        Now, the serenade to honor the Shooting Stars is set for this Saturday, January 10, starting at 5pm, weather permitting.  Mummers from all four divisions will parade to the Stars headquarters at 1931 S. 3rd St.

 

        Bill Isaccs, retired captain and founder of the Downtowners Fancy Brigade, is in Methodist Hospital.  The Downtowners celebrated their 50th anniversary with their 2009 performance.  We all send prayers and good wishes to Bill.

 

        Now, in my next column, additional worth while performances will be noted, plus what was good and not so good with the 2009 Mummers Parade.  Plus, all the events leading up to New Year's Day that brought those who came forward on behalf of the mummers. 

 

        On Sunday, January 11, starting at 9pm to 10pm, TV 17 will air the "Best Of The Best' from the 2009 Parade, plus the results from TV 17's "Viewers' Choice Poll".

 

        So for now, before the "budget cuts" come after my thermal underwear, I shall depart.