PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Like every string band marching and performing in the 123rd Philadelphia Mummers Parade, the Hegeman String Band is putting the final flourishes on its musical performance, costumes, and set pieces in time for the New Year’s Day tradition. However, for the first time in the club’s history with the Mummers, a woman has been voted in as captain.
“It’s a very prestigious club. I'm very honored to be a part of it,” said Kelliann Gallagher, who will lead the Hegeman String Band in a baseball-themed performance.
She says, with her involvement as captain and head of the theme committee, there are a lot of moving parts.
“The thing I love about Hegeman, though — it’s such a great team atmosphere. We have such a great heart, and that is pulling us through this pandemic and getting people back playing again.”
She said membership numbers in August were looking tough.
“We sat in a room and we all looked at each other and we said, ‘Are we doing this?’ And we said, ‘Let’s do it.’”
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The Hegeman String Band has been a member of the Mummers since 1920. And while Gallagher may be the first female captain of Hegeman, she is the fifth female captain in the string band division.
Gallagher says she is relatively new to the Mummers, herself.
“That’s the funny part — because a lot of other captains grew up in this hobby,” she said. “I actually did not. I joined in 2020.
“I play the banjo, so I played the banjo for the band as well. So we needed a captain. I was voted in, and here I am.”
The Mummers include over 40 organized clubs competing against each other in five divisions, each division having its performance specialty. The divisions include the Comics, Wench Brigades, Fancies, String Bands, and Fancy Brigades.
The Fancy Brigades will also perform two indoor shows on New Year's Day at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
The Mummers Association is accepting donations for the parade at DonateMummers.com.