The Mummers Parade in the late 1800's, in that era the Mummers were branded the name New Years Shooters because they run up and down 2nd Street shooting guns to celebrate the New Years. The Mummers Parade itself in that era was just a simple walk down 2nd Street. Prizes in that era was donated food and little prize money. I wasn't until Bart McHugh noticed the parade down 2nd Street that is was brought up to Philadelphia City Council. Then In 1901, City of Philadelphia sponsored the Mummers Parade. However, after the bands perform at city hall, a good deal of the clubs march down 2nd Street. One side note, 2nd Street is home for 1 Comic Club, 2 Fancy Clubs, 6 String Bands, and 8 Fancy Brigades.
Until 1978, the Parade consisted of three divisions: Comics, Fancy, and String Bands. In 1979 Mummers History was made again, a fourth division was added to the parade called the Fancy Brigades. These four divisions make up the current Mummers Parade. One side note to add the Mummers Parade is one of the longest Parades in the US, the parade lasts round 10 hrs. in time.
One major question gets asked by people who are not familiar with the Mummers Parade: How do you distinguish one division from another:
Comics: Wench Costumes or 3 tier parasols
Fancy Clubs: Elaborate Frame Costumes
String Bands: Music (The Only division that the members play their own music): The other 3 divisions have either bands or taped music accompany them to perform their routines.
Fancy Brigades: Massive Broadway style props, and elaborate costumes
Quick Mummers Facts: