2020 Mummers Parade takes over Center City on New Year’s Day

UPDATED: 12:41 p.m.

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — It wouldn't be New Year's Day in Philadelphia without the Mummers Parade. This year marks the city's 120th parade.

When it comes to picking a Mummers theme, it's all about creativity and originality — and some silliness. Take Harry Dougherty's Golden Sunrise group.

"We are '20/20 Vision,' because it's the year 2020. We're supposed to be eye doctors," he said, indicating their costumes and eye charts on their backs that spell out "Happy new year."

Dougherty says he has been a Mummer since the '70s. What is it about the Mummers Parade that makes him keep coming back?

"Well, it's the best day of the year for me. I get to tell my corny jokes to a captive audience," Dougherty said. "And today, I will be telling my cornea jokes."

But really Harry's favorite part is being around family, he says.

That goes for the people in the stands, too, like Anthony Strazzullo, who brought his son, Anthony Jr., to his first Mummers Parade. The pair from Gloucester City, N.J., were the first people in the stands early Wednesday morning, so they could make sure they got the perfect spot.

"The best thing in the world is spending New Year's Day with my son," he said. "A family thing, something he'll remember forever and pass down to generations to come."

He says he's been to Mummers parades many times over the years and says there's nothing like being there to see the parade in person.

Diane Bartlett is marching for the first time this year. Her fancy brigade's theme: "Lobsters and mobsters."

"My lobster claws and cool red sunglasses are ready," Bartlett said.

She said a friend encouraged her to get involved in the Mummers brigade.

"It's been awesome," she said. "We have met the best people, the most dedicated, love-in-their-heart people. We have so much fun."

Bartlett said she loves the camaraderie.

"The people are all hyped up. The costumes and the floats look fantastic. And I am just eager, ready to go and get myself marching," she said. "The people, the crowd, I want them to smile and have fun and just have a great time."

Bartlett was more reserved than some other Mummers who get more rowdy — like a Southwest Division group shouting "Suicide Squad all day!"

But even the wildest groups get serious when asked about the meaning of Mummers.

"The joy that it brings everybody, honestly," said Jake O'Brien. "Everybody's happy on New Year's Day."

In addition to the parade on Broad Street, indoor performances are taking place at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, where the fancy brigades will compete in two finale shows, at 11:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.

The Fancy Brigade Finale is in its 23rd year. In all, 12 clubs are competing. Each participating brigade has 4.5 minutes to wow the crowd with elaborate costumes, sets and dance performances.

Tom Knight is the new president of the Fancy Brigade Association and a performer in the South Philly Vikings entry.

"Our main thing is our club, the South Philly Vikings, we always try to outdo our last years' performance. We try to go one above last year," Knight said. "Last year we placed first. We try to keep the standards on ourselves. I'm sure every club is the same way, that they want to do better than they did last year."

Knight has been a mummer for 54 years.

The indoor show was started more than 20 years ago to guarantee a "Mummers experience," no matter the weather conditions, to tour groups booked from around the world.

The mummers get no city funding and raise money year round for the New Year Day celebration.