The Press Conference was held on Broad and Pine Streets, on the steps of the University of the Arts.

Read the Philadelphia Inquirer article: Start Strutting: It’s Mummers Time!

All photos are courtesy of  Photojournalist William Z. Foster, I.P.S. Independent Press Service.

NB2, a Philadelphia-based apparel design company and online merchandiser, has partnered with SaveTheMummers.com to develop a unique merchandise branding program to generate revenue to preserve the parade and legacy of the Mummers.  The concept was presented to the Mummers by NB2 president Fred Lavner in the summer of 2009.

The new merchandise program will be rolled out in two stages, the first being an online store featuring novelty printed apparel, books, music and dvds.  A retail on-site program will begin in February at local museum gift shops, tourist attractions and other appropriate retail venues. At that time, the merchandise line will expand to include such items as musical Mummer bobbleheads, wind-up fancy strutters, comic finger puppets, musical chip tees and much more.

“I’ve always believed that the Mummers is a Philadelphia folk icon and as important and relevant to Philly as Music City is to Austin, as the blues are to Memphis, as the Grand Ole Opry is to Nashville, and as jazz is to Chicago,” Lavner said.  “But yet, virtually everything about Philadelphia souvenir merchandise is skewed to Ben, Betsy and the Bell.  What about supporting the unique and longstanding tradition of our Mummers?” continued Lavner.

Now, you’ll be able to show your support of the Mummers in new and exciting ways. And don’t forget to enter your name and email address under subscribe on the left,  so we can keep you updated on future merchandise offerings!

Price includes shipping and handling. Orders will be processed within 7-10 days. Proceeds from this special website offer go to SaveTheMummers.com.

Members of the Quaker City and Fralinger String Bands and members of the various Fancy and Wench Brigades were on hand to provide entertainment.

View the festivities below.

Join all Mummers and their fans on Sunday, November 22 at the Mummers Museum (2nd and Washington) at 3:00.

A pep rally will be held featuring Congressman Bob Brady, Save The Mummers Chairman of the Board George Badey, local leaders and politicians and much more.

Mummers and their supporters are encouraged to display the strong presence and support we have in the Philadelphia community by coming out for this Pep Rally! Physically being there is as important as your monetary donation and will demonstrate our determination and resilience.

In addition to updates on the parade and the fast-approaching Bacon Brothers Benefit, you will be able to buy tickets for the concert ($39.50, cash only please) with NO SERVICE CHARGE, plus, for the first time, the long-awaited Bacon Brothers / Mummers collaboration DVD of “New Years’ Day” will also be on sale for $10.

“THE NEW YEAR PARADE” BROUGHT MUMMER CULTURE TO FILM FESTIVALS AROUND THE WORLD; Now Set to Open at Ritz at the Bourse on October 30th

THE NEW YEAR PARADE, directed by Bucks County native Tom Quinn, will enjoy a week-long theatrical run at the Ritz Bourse in Philadelphia starting October 30th before arriving on DVD on November 24th. The fiction film is set against the working-class backdrop of Mummer culture and follows two South Philadelphia siblings through the first year of their parents’ divorce. The independent production was filmed over the course of three years with a cast of mostly non-actors including The South Philadelphia String Band, which welcomed the cast and crew in for over two years. With a seamless blend of fiction filmmaking and documentary footage, the film follows the band’s preparations for the 2005 Mummers Parade.

Although filmed for only $7,000, THE NEW YEAR PARADE won the Grand Jury Prize for Best Narrative when it premiered at the 2008 Slamdance Film Festival in Park City, UT. It went on to win seven additional film festival awards around the country for best narrative, supporting actress, ensemble cast, and directing.

Join the filmmakers on Friday, October 30 for an Opening Night Party at the TOP HAT (247 Market Street, Philadelphia). Doors open at 9:00 p.m. following the 7:30 screening.

The cast and crew will be on hand for Q & A on the Friday, October 30 and Saturday, October 31 evening showings.

Screening times: 1:30, 3:30, 5:30, 7:30 and 9:30, from October 30 – November 5. Click here for more details on the Ritz at the Bourse.

View the trailer, and visit the official website for more details on the film and filmmakers.

Join the Bacon Brothers and the Mummers on Saturday, October 10 at Main Street Music in Manayunk (4444 Main Street)  for the much awaited release of their specially recorded version of “New Years Day” with Bunny Sigler. The rain-or-shine event will be held from noon – 2:00 p.m., with Mummers String Bands and Comics performing. Michael and Kevin Bacon will arrive around 1:00 and make an on-stage presentation of the DVDs, then sign copies at Main Street Music. Don’t miss this chance to get an autographed copy of your own! 

There are two important actions I ask each of you to take as you look around our site.

(1) Add your name and email address to our mailing list (you can do this from the homepage under “Subscribe”)

We DO NOT distribute our list, but YOU WILL get occasional (not frequent or bothersome) updates.

(2) Make a financial contribution (just click here to reach our secure site)

If every Mummer and his or her immediate family and friends make a modest donation, we will exceed our goals. It’s easy to donate – just click below to reach our secure site.

Every gift helps, no matter the size. Working together we will meet our financial goals.

We are thrilled this year to have the support of some other Philadelphia icons, the Bacon Brothers, who have stepped up in ways that would have been unimaginable a few short months ago. We cannot thank Michael and Kevin Bacon enough for their hard work and their continuing contributions that have inspired us all. Please make sure to read more about them on the site.

It’s no secret to say that we are living in an economic climate that is challenging us like never before. But know this; in such an era, those who take the bold and visionary steps are the ones that will survive. Like never before, mummers from all divisions have come together to take those bold steps, and to create the partnerships, teams and vision that will have us marching proudly on January 1, 2010, and every New Years Day into the future. In the weeks and months ahead you will hear more about some of those actions and of the progress we’re making. We look forward to hearing from you as well!

Yours truly in Mummery,

George J. Badey III, Esquire,

Chairman, Board of Directors, SaveTheMummers.com

SaveTheMummers.com – Board of Directors

George J. Badey III, Esquire, Chairman

Jacob P. Hart, Vice-Chairman

James P. Bradley, Jr., Secretary

Jacqualine McCann, Treasurer

Steven J. Coper, MBA, PMP

James J. Julia, MBA (President of Fancy Brigade Association)

John Lucas (President of Fancy Association)

Charles McKenna (President of Wench Brigade Association)

John R. Pignotti, Jr. (President of String Band Association)

Richard Porco (President of Comic Association)

Robert Shannon, Jr. (President of Mummers Association)

John F. Dailey, Jr., CPA, Auditor

SavetheMummers.com members will be giving out free water ice at 3rd and Mifflin streets.