PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, once again, led the string bands down Market Street Thursday afternoon for the Mummers Parade. It’s a tradition she revived last year and plans to continue.
The mayor leading the string bands was a mummers tradition for years, but Jim Kenney, though a former mummer himself, ended the practice when, just after his election, the parade included a routine he called hurtful and insulting to transgender people. String band Association President Sam Regalbuto said the group is delighted to be back in Mayor Parker’s good graces.
"There’s been some ups and downs, and you have some individuals who do some things that are not what the mummer’s stand for, and we eliminate those things, and you learn, you grow, you evolve," he said.
"We’re on the way back up, and with the mayor’s friendship, and we love her; she is our mayor. Hopefully, we can get back to that status once again."
Despite the celebrations, weather concerns forced changes to the String Band competition. The string band association and the Mummers Parade announced the judged competition was suspended until further notice due to sustained 30 mph winds, wind damage during unloading and setup, and safety concerns.
String bands still marched in full costume and makeup and performed for television, online, and live audiences along Broad Street and at City Hall, but without props.
Organizers said performer safety was the top priority, and details on a rescheduled judged competition, including date, time, and location, will be announced once finalized.
Mayor Parker was ready to keep past behavior in the past and embraced the parade, noting it’s been named the best parade in America by USA Today.
“The Mummers, it’s a Philly tradition, and we proudly own it, and I proudly support it as mayor of our great city,” Parker said.
To hear more from the mayor, listen to the full interview in the player below: