CITY OF MUMMERLY LOVE. Start the new year Philly-style at the Mummers Parade, held each Jan. 1 since 1901 (this year's rain date is Jan. 8). About 20,000 elaborately costumed revelers parade along Broad Street in three divisions and vie for cash prizes while being judged on theme, subject and performance. The comics tickle funny bones with pratfalls and ruffled parasols, the fancies prance in dramatic attire and the string bands rouse the crowd with music and precision drills. A fourth group, the Fancy Brigade, performs at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
Parade starts at 9 a.m. along Broad Street. Free. About 2 1/2 hours from the Beltway in Philadelphia. 215-683-3622, (215-965-7676 for $12 grandstand tickets near judging area, 215-893-1999 for $15 Fancy Brigade tickets), www.phillymummers.com.
-- Anne McDonough
