Mayor Nutter's grim budget cutting plan slashes city funding for a beloved Philadelphia tradition -- the annual Mummers Parade, held each year on New Year's Day.
The city has cut $355,000 that it gives to the Mummers for prize money -- a cut that will apply to the next parade. And George Badey, publicity director for the Philadelphia Mummers Association, said the Mummers are not happy about it.
"It’s drastic to say we’re going to give them no prize money after 108 years," Badey said. "It’s sending the message that they don’t care about us and if the Mummers went away it doesn’t matter."
The prize money covers only a fraction of the costs that clubs incur to participate in the parade. A string band could spend up to $100,000 to compete in the parade and the top prize it could win is about $9,700. Still, Badey said they were promised the money. He said Mummers leadership hopes to talk with the city soon about the decision.
"I would hope the city would sit down and openly acknowledge the importance of the Mummers to the city," Badey said.
Another issue for the Mummers is who will pay police overtime costs on parade day. The mayor's budget plan says the city will be more rigorous about collecting overtime costs for special events. But the mayor's press office said it hasn't been determined yet who will pay for the overtime for the Mummers Parade.
The city has cut $355,000 that it gives to the Mummers for prize money -- a cut that will apply to the next parade. And George Badey, publicity director for the Philadelphia Mummers Association, said the Mummers are not happy about it.
"It’s drastic to say we’re going to give them no prize money after 108 years," Badey said. "It’s sending the message that they don’t care about us and if the Mummers went away it doesn’t matter."
The prize money covers only a fraction of the costs that clubs incur to participate in the parade. A string band could spend up to $100,000 to compete in the parade and the top prize it could win is about $9,700. Still, Badey said they were promised the money. He said Mummers leadership hopes to talk with the city soon about the decision.
"I would hope the city would sit down and openly acknowledge the importance of the Mummers to the city," Badey said.
Another issue for the Mummers is who will pay police overtime costs on parade day. The mayor's budget plan says the city will be more rigorous about collecting overtime costs for special events. But the mayor's press office said it hasn't been determined yet who will pay for the overtime for the Mummers Parade.
Hey jacksplat, Go back to pittsburgh! Talk about boring. That place is like wacthing paint dry. And if you press the off button on your remote you don't have to wacth at all. I been marhing for a long time, you go to a stadium. Just what we need another outsider telling us how to fix somthing that was't broken til the city touched it !
No budget cuts for Unity Day on the Parkway. Reverse racism in action.
like i said earlier, if you don"t like it don"t watch it. MsLou you are the most ignorant person i ever spoke to. you are a racist. our band is all black. i treat people the way they treat me. some of my good friends are black!!
Please check out this link and pay attention to some of he participants and the crowds along the side. Speaks for itself I would have to say
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/gallery/12963677.html
no Chris,i"m not saying people fly in to see the parade as you put it, but every hotel on Broad street is full on new years day. why did this have to turn racial? like i said earlier we go out to have a good time, win or lose. also we stop in front of Methodist hospital & ST. Agnes hospital to give the sick people a show. maybe you & MsLou should get together & go to Camden for new years!!
Hey MsFraud, you are a DOPE! Stay out of the city. I am glad you are not there anymore. It is people like you who keep hate alive and keep the ideal of racism strong in people's minds nd as a result cause trouble because of it. Me, I don't need it. I don't care what color your skin is, if you are this dumb you are worthless all together. Happy New Year, LONG LIVE THE MUMMERS... Money or not it will survive! I think even Chris has to start to admit and see how hateful and ignorant you are.
Ms Lou everything that you comment on is about race, get over it and move on already b/c we are all tired of hearing you complain black vs. white. The mummers are about the people of Phildelphia and they like putting on a good show and the stringbands and fancy brigdes aren't drunks and if you actually read by previous emails you would know that we are disqualified if any beer is found before 2nd street.That just shows are ignorant you are.
MsLou you may hate us with a passion, and you may boo us on New Years Day. But we'll just smile, wave and go on our merry way because we don't let one bad apple spoil the bunch, unlike yourself.
I may not know FQ95 or mummergirl or edtubes on a personal level, but they are part of my extended family. My mummer family. So for all of you short-sighted, ignorant fools... you can complain about racism, sexism or any other -ism in the book. But, prize money or not, as long as there hard working men and women that like to entertain a crowd, spectators dancing on the sidewalks, and family and friends to participate in this great tradition with, then... GET USED TO IT. Becuase we aren't going anywhere except down Broad Street. In the words of many TRUE Philadelphians, " 'Nuff said. "
You are living proof that the mummers are bums. Not even worth my time tapping you anymore. And I do hate you.
Way to live in the past Ms. Fraud. You are bringing something up that happened more than 30 years ago.
Yes, I lived in South Philly as a child. Hated it! I'm not going to live in a neighborhood and be harassed because of my race. And I'm not going to harass my neighbors. Civility is the only way to live. Some of the houses were called father, son, holy ghost. Ace, deuce, tray. Now going for a million bucks. A joke! I remember it before I-95 came through. The old South street. I do believe that the old slum lord Louis J. Plummer is now called Plummer-Levitt. TLA was the Palace Theater. That black white race thing was about a bxitch. Black families go no peace. I also remember the mummers at Broad & South chanting "2,4,6, 8 we don't want to integrate". You are ignorant to Philadelphia history and a bunch of fools. I lived it. You'll never change! I wouldn't take a house down there today rent free.
MsFraud, I guarantee that the Mummers will get their same sponsorship. How do you think that they were able to televise the parade in the first place? My PHL will be back, as long as Southwest Airlines. Like to see that you are still getting your facts straight about the parade. 1:00 a.m.? If you don't like the parade why are you supporting it?
Jersey tell your crew to be sober on January 1. Don't you get tired of being called a parade of drunks? That's all the public sees. If you want the mummers to be around; you got to change your act. How important is it too you? Most people like parades; but not with intoxicated men in drag. One year it had 1000 comics and went past 1am in the morning. I saw it on TV. How many people even know the significance of the mummers parade? And they are not going to take the time to find out. It's out of control. Scale it back or it's on it's way out. The money is the first thing to go. The Xmas parade got a sponsor because of its clean image. Who's gonna sponsor the mummers? Budweiser? Jack Daniels?
JerseyMike I am with you on MsLou. She is an absolute embarrassment to her self and race. I doubt that this fraud has ever lived in South Philly, but claims that she has just to make herself feel better. It is my belief that people who put this much time into hating something really wanted to be a part of it.
MSLOU TAKE THE FOOT OUT OF YOUR MOUTH FOR A MINUTE TO REALIZE THAT AGAIN YOU HAVE MADE A DISCRIMINATORY REMARK ABOUT PEOPLE AND STEREOTYPED ONCE AGAIN. SO NOW YOU ARE CALLING EVERYONE IN SOUTH PHILLY LOW LIFES? THAT IS WHAT IT SOUNDS LIKE TO ME. GOD BLESS YOUR DARK AND HATEFUL SOUL. DON'T CARE WHAT ELES YOU SAY BECAUSE YOU HAVE PROVEN NO INTELLIGENCE AND ONLY SPREAD LIES AND HATE. I DOUBT YOU ARE EVEN WHO YOU SAY YOU ARE AND HAVE NEVER STEPPED FOOT IN THE CITY. I CAN'T HOLD YOU AS A VALID CONSTITUANT OF THIS THREAD ANYMORE. SO NO MATTER WHAT YOU SAY, YOU WILL NOT GET A RESPONSE FROM ME NOR WILL I PAY ONE BIT OF ATTENTION TO YOU. YOU HAVE REFUSED TO LISTEN TO REASON AND DIGEST ANY FACTS PUT FORTH ON HERE OR PROVEN ANY VALIDITY TO WHAT YOU HAVE SAID.
Chris, No one said the other cuts weren't fair but considering what the city has done to collect what is owed to them or manage the money correctly. We can survive without the prize money but we can't foot the bill to clean up or police. especially now. I know you said you saw black face in 1990... describe it for me... was it done in bad taste or was it for costume purpose because I know we have to present the design to the city and committees for the mummers for approval of its use. If they approve it they don't see it as insulting. I was in that parade and do not recall any use of black face. I need specific examples how they have been insulting in the last 25 years because I know everything needs to be approved by the city before it hits the street. That is Fact. These approvals are also policed at the start fo the parade as well. we pass many officers of the city and organizations on the route and they check everyone for compliance. But don't you see that you steotyped about 15,000 people based on actions that were committed by lets just say 50 people? Does that seem fair? Fair to me? Fair to everyone in my organization and division?
M, Get out of So. Philly and see the city. Visit other areas. Come up to Mt Airy and Chestnut Hill and see how refined a lot of the white women are. Never have a problem with them. See a different perspective. Relinquish the lowlife.
Well, JerseyMike, we're finally on the same page. I don't think street was "always crooked" but there was definitely some shadiness going on around his brother. I also think that the pools ARE important. They offer a place for kids to go in the summertime to say nothing of the lack of city kids' access to pools as it is. But you are right on about the contracts to clean up the area around Temple. The city would absolutely pass the buck rather than deal with it. As far as I'm concerned they can cut every last parade that the city has... until the Phillies win again. But not to beat a dead horse, I think city money for the Mummers during a budget crunch is indefensible. They have been too offensive to too many for too long.
Mummergirl: If you agree that SOME of the Mummers are out of hand and if you agree that blackface is a racist thing and comic brigades were doing it well after 1964, then we are on the same page and I will not paint all Mummers with the same brush.
Chris, just think The city has allowed $27 million to sit uncollected that being from Milton Street and others. and NOW the city and mayor are going to aggressively pursue it? John Street was always crooked. When Temple U wanted all the permits to build the Appolo of Temple, They put stipulations on them to allow their connections to get the contracts and also Temple had to develop the area around it. So it was let someone else deal with the issues in North Philly instead of the City. I worked for Temple Athletics while this was going on. I know first hand. I don't agree with the Library closings but the pools are not that important anymore. They also attract unfavorable crowds even in my old hood. Now the city is giving money to a thanksgiving day parade that is titled for a bankrupt company. Sound fair? If one is cut, they all should be cut.
Ms Lou is back today running her mouth once again. Do you leave servers 20% or should servers sterotype you b/c of the color of your skin? You wouldn't like that would you? Well then stop doing it to others and get with the times. There is no black/white, there are just people.
Chris- I do agree that some of the are out of hand we are not saying that but it is not right to generalize all of them. A lot of the partying that is also going on is from the people hanging out on 2nd street which we all know can be a mess. This was something that no one wanted and I don't agree with some of the other cuts that were made by Mayor Nutter as well. The basis comes down to please don't sterotype all the mummers as we are all not that bad.
Mummergirl: It's more than avoiding them on New Year's Day. If you live close to the museum, you can't avoid them. That is where many of them end up as the day progresses. Also, it's not just a New Years day thing. It is year round down there. I do avoid the parade now and have moved on. That is, until people started complaining about city money being taken away from it. If the question is posed to me, of course I'm gonna opt to cut Mummer funding over city pools and libraries.
MsLou ... MORE FABRICATED LIES!!! Your statement just now is unfounded. You are also not reading and comprehending. You are ignoring anything that says you are wrong and drawing your own conclusions from an incident that happened what 30 some years ago??? That is the past. Stop bringing up the past. Do you still hold a grudge against everyone in the south for holding slaves in the early 1700's? Your statement calls me a racist as well as every other Mummer in the parade today. You are stereotyping the Mummers and in a sense you are also a racist making these unfounded statements. Don't assume because it makes a you know what out of you. Your reasoning is infantile at best. Grow up, stop living in the past and get on with your life or you will continue to hate the rest of your life and never have peace with yourself. Stop blaming eveyone else for your issues and demons you obviously can not deal with!
Hi Chris, They don't change! It's passed down from one generation to the next. They support an organization with a history of racist drunken behavior. When New Years Day rolls around you will see the same drunken spectacle on Broad Street. The purpose of Blackface was to humiliate African Americans. The mummers have had their fun at the expense of Black people. That parade is only important to that drunk and disorderly 2st crowd and a common street action.
If it is the mummers that you have an issue with then why wouldn't you avoid them on New Years Day, that is what doesn't make sense.
The mummers are good people who give back to the city in many ways.
Like I said before it is an old past issue, move on and maybe you will find something good in them but you never will if you continue to be so negative.
JerseyMike: Before you start generalizing me, I didn't grow up in some ghetto, we lived (and my mother still lives) in Queen Village. Our block and house was and still is very nice. This is a place where people work hard to move to not from. We're weren't gonna go run up to Chestnut Hill or something just because of a few racists. My family is from South Philly for generations.
Okay, I wasn't gonna comment anymore but Mummergirl, you are calling me racist because I have a problem with Mummers and that doesn't make sense. I have written several times here that I do not have a problem with white people; the problem is the Mummers. "Mummers" does not include all white people just because it includes you. And there was not just one incident, there were many. It was part of the fabric of the neighborhood.
Well maybe instead of living in the shadow of the museum if it was so bad, I would have worked hard enough to get out of that shadow.
Chris you have a problem with the mummers and you always will so nothing that I can say will change that. Do I think that you are racist- yep ! Do I think that you have an open mind- No ! The mummers are not the problem it is people like you that are the problem. Not all mummers are bad people and I am tired of being judged b/c you had a bad incident happen to you. Get over it already.
Mummergirl: When people are attacked or wronged and don't say anything, things are fine but, as soon as they push back, other people say, "Hey, what's wrong? Why are you so angry? You shouldn't be like that." After all I have experienced with the Mummers over the course of years - not just one incident - I am not gonna sit here and listen to you say that I am "racist and add fuel to the fire in this world where there are just people." I'm surprised you didn't continue singing, "we are the world... we are the future..." I am not the racist one here. And don't tell me I know nothing about the Mummers, I know plenty. I grew up in the shadow of that museum.
Chris... IT IS THE SAME KIND OF GENRALIZATION!!! Don't you understand? No matter if you are talking about large groups, races, religions and anything else that is in large numbers when you blanket a whole group, religion or race with a statement that is a result of actions of a few... you are generalizing about everyone in that group, religion or race! Get It Yet? So what you are saying is that all mummers are violent racists? Because that is what you have been saying all along. Because one or two people who happened to be mummers committed an unforgivable act you are saying the guilty party is every Mummer. Get It Yet?? And you brought up politics, I answered.
Chris... IT IS THE SAME KIND OF GENRALIZATION!!! Don't you understand? No matter if you are talking about large groups, races, religions and anything else that is in large numbers when you blanket a whole group, religion or race with a statement that is a result of actions of a few... you are generalizing about everyone in that group, religion or race! Get It Yet? So what you are saying is that all mummers are violent racists? Because that is what you have been saying all along. Because one or two people who happened to be mummers committed an unforgivable act you are saying the guilty party is every Mummer. Get It Yet?? And you brought up politics, I answered. Because you then assumed I was a racist as well because you thought I was from that area and voted for a praticular candidate based on color! Think before you type and try to remember what you have been saying and reading.
Jersey Mike: You're right about the Marconi Plaza comment. I DO know that that's where the parade starts. I take that back. My bad. And for the purpose of this discussion, it doesn't matter who you voted for.
Here is the skinny on black face:
The wearing of black face paint was once a traditional part of the parade. Growing dissent from civil rights groups and the offense of the black community led to most clubs phasing out blackface in the early 1960s. A 1964 city policy officially ruled out blackface but some still appears in the Parade.[7][11]
With growing controversy, blackface is still a part of the related Mummers or Darky Day in Cornwall, UK and Jonkonnu parades in the Caribbean.
So go break down the doors of the UK and the Caribbean because they still do it to this day. DON'T BLAME THIS GENERATION!
Your hate leads me to believe you may have even gone looking for trouble and you came out on the losing end of it and how come you didn't address your concerns with the police? A lot of claims have been made about things happening but no follow up with the words, People helped or no one helped or police were notified. Why Not? Because they are fabricated. Look as many times as people stole things from me on the EL or had friends physically harmed we all went to the police and reported it and the police did something about it. Now groing up I had white friends as well as black fiends I went to school with and we were all victims. Hate crime is just a made up phrase... isn't all crime a hate crime? Murder or assault isn't exactly done with courtesy ya nkow! Look if you hate it that much start a movement t get rid of it see how far you get. I bet not far. All of a sudden we are all victims... guess what I got over it and went on with my life.. .how about you doing the same instead of keeping hate in your heart and judging thousands on the actions of a hand ful. It does seem kinda funny that there are only two people on here spouting their so called "attacks" on them by people who happened to be mummers. I bet it happened in the same year, huh? Look, It wouold be the same as me being attacked by a black person and saying all blacks are violent and all they do is commit crime and you know what.. I would be as bad a person as you who keep racism alive and discriminate against a LARGE group on the actions of one.
Race, hate and ill feelings remain because of people like MsLou and Chris. You all are not hearing the comparisons that no matter what group, ethnicity or race you are, people will do bad things to other people because they either hate or they are just bad people. I can't control who does what or joins what organization but I find it hard to believe that in a high profile area that things like this happen that you claim to have happened yet it is one side of the story.
ALSO Chris, I wasn't even alive when black face was being used!!!!! I do not condone it and when it was questionable about colors used to paint people's faces... even if it was close to degrading I questioned it myself! I have not seen anyone in black face since I started marching in 1986! That issue is dead or maybe you would like to keep dragging a dead issue through the mud so you can stay on your soap box? I answered the issue of race many times and I guess you either can't read or remember the parts you want to remember.
Chris, Wake up, Marconi plaza is where all the mummers start from for the parade!!! The ignorance shows through. Also this is not about political views. If you must know I voted for Obama and I am white! See when I vote I look at the issues and the state of things as they are and could be, not the color of the skin!
You are all of bunch of shmucks and the mummers are tired of hearing from you. We work hard to put on a good show for the city and many people like the mummers. It is people like Ms. Lou and Chris from South Philly that are racist and add fuel to the fire in this world where there are just people. There are many great people in the mummers who have great hearts and would do anything for anyone. Stop being ignorant and NONE of you know what you are talking about. Chris your ignorance is worse then Ms Lou's as you know nothing about the mummers and what it does for the city, so keep the trap shut !
The difference in experiences is that we are not talking about random white people that have done certain things and then blaming all white people. We are talking specifically about the Mummers and then blaming the Mummers. I don't walk up and down the street randomly having a problem with white people. But, I do have a problem with the Mummers.
What is the difference between your experiences and my experiences? We both have experienced infractions with an opposite race. Why didn't those black adults just let us play basketball? Why did those three black teenagers jump me on South street? Why didn't they just leave me alone?
Yes, black face paint was done in poor taste. When was the last time you saw a mummer in black face paint? This will be my 29th consecutive march up Broad Street, and I believe just like the previous 28 years I will see both white and black people lining the route.
FQ I can't make you understand. Blacks & whites have different life experiences. This is the second time I told you hate crimes do a lot of damage. The effects are forever. It drives a permanent wedge between the races and creates an unforgiving heart. The mummers had members that participated in these sins against Blacks. Perhaps you don't know, remember or even care. But, It was h3ll. Why didn't they just leave us alone?
Its quite simple really, if you don't like the parade don't come out and support it. But don't post material on something that you know absolutely nothing about.
MsLou, You are talking about experiences from the 70's!? Are you kidding me? It is inexcusable for anyone especially a child to experience what you mention in your post. However, there is hate everywhere. When I was 14 I was playing basketball in the park at 4th and Morris. A group of black adults, (at least in their early 20's), came in and physically forced us off the court. When we tried to stand our ground they took our ball and punctured a whole in it with a knife. Then they kept threatening to release a pit bull they had on a leash to attack us. As we walked away one of the males throw a bottle and hit an 11 year old girl in the back of the head.
Chris their were neighborhoods that a white person couldn't walk through because he would get chased or have rocks thrown at him. Unfortunately, there is hate everywhere you go in this world. Also, to be honest with you, I doubt that the Mummers turn a huge profit for the city. I can tell you without any doubt we don't cost the city as much as they say however. Between all of the material that is purchased to build, floats, props, and back pieces, food to feed the members and guests, the property tax that is collected from the clubhouses owned by the clubs, and the money that is made in the restaurants and the hotels between New Years Eve and January 2nd we have to at the very least break even.
There are hotels all along and near Broad Street that sell packages for the parade. Each year the Kimmell Center also sells a package that usually sells out.
You go Chris. How I remember to this day. Grown men called me racial names when I was a kid buying penny candy. I was so young that I couldn't see over the store counter. Sicing dogs on a little girl and other children. It gets worse than that. My grandmother lived there and didn't take no shxt. Then I-95 came through, claimed that house with eminent domain. It was a blessing. These are not lies or exaggerations. I have no reason ever to return.
edtubes: What money is the parade bringing to the city? Are you trying to tell me that people fly in to Philly and stay in hotels and eat at restaurants as a result of the Mummers parade? Other than relatives of the marchers, I can't imagine anyone doing that.
edtubes: What money is the parade bringing to the city? Are you trying to tell me that people fly in to Philly and stay in hotels and eat at restaurants as a result of the Mummers parade? Other than relatives of the marchers, I can't imagine anyone doing that.
Ms Louie Louie, some of our costumes cost more than the prize money the city gives out!! they will never stop the mummers parade as long as it brings in money for the city
These are a bunch of cross-dressers with makeup (blackface) and wigs (pigtails)! They should have the parade on 13th St. from Locust to Walnut.
I don't know MsLou, but she grew up on Front St. in South Philly. I grew up on 3rd St. in South Philly. Both sides of "Two Street." When I was a kid, I couldn't go to 2nd St. because you would get chased or rocks and bottles thrown at you or jumped. These are the mummers. How is it that two people who don't know each other have the same horrible memories of growing up around the mummers? And I have seen much time they put in practicing. I see them in September underneath I-95, but to me it just looks like a lynching party.
How can you say that an organization that condoned black face even after the city was forced to enforce the law, is not racist? Can someone please address this? When this is answered, then I'll stop believing that the mumers are racist. but when you grew up year after year watching these cross-dressing drunk rednecks, it's gonna take a lot of convincing.
Jersey Mike invites people to show up at Marconi Plaza, while everyone else says this isn't about race. The district around Marconi Plaza is the only ward in the City of Philadelphia that voted for John McCain. Given the socio-economic situation in that area, Barack Obama was the best candidate for the people there. That whole ward going republican in this democratic city can only be attributed to racism. Racist area and racist mummers.
Mummergirl, FQ and JerseyMike, Don't waste your time on a nutcase like Ms. DumbieLOU. Looks like you all shut her right up. Thanks.
MsLou is snagged.... She is using company equipment to spread her hate for one of the oldest traditions in the world and the people who particpate in it. Who says I don't live in Philadelphia and work in Jersey? I pay taxes like everyone else. Make sure you are at Marconi Plaza this year and booing at every band so we can offer you a cup of soup and a sandwich. You showing up to boo will be entertainment for us all. You should certainly be rewarded for your efforts. Then talk to some of us and find out exactly what we are all about and get a sense of how hard we work with our talents. I will be the first to greet you I hope so I can be a positive part of your Mummers experience.
Case closed...business calls.
MsLou, given your wonderful grammar skills you should be spending all day in English class. At least you spelled boo correctly.
M-girl are you supposed to be working too?
Jersey mike stop wanting Philly money!
I can't stay on my computer all day long with you fools.
I'll coming to the parade this year; JUST SO I CAN BOO!
MsLou, not that I make it a point to explain myself to people like you, but I am home in South Philly using vacation time for the rest of this week, (use it or lose it days). But, being that I live roughly two and a half blocks from my Recreation Facility, chances are I will stop by a few times to check in on things. May I ask the same of you? Are you at work using the computer for your own personal amusement? Or are you at home getting a free ride off of my City of Philadelphia earned tax dollars? Wow! Did I just stereotype you like you have been doing with the Mummers?
Ms Lou. You are the same kind of person that I can't stand waiting on in a Restaurant, always complaining about something, never happy and then leaves the server 10%.
Stop making this about race, you sound like an arrogant child that has not gotten there way. There are acts of violence everyday with black and white people so stop making this out to be more then it is.
This is a fun tradition and everyone on here has had about enough of you.
FQ95 - ARE YOU ON THE CITY'S TIME AND COMPUTER WITH THIS MADNESS? Look at the time of your message. Today's a work day. Jobs have rules about using their computers for personal amusement. You know Fox News is looking for people like you. Careful Buddy! You don't sound so smart to me.
MsLou, we get reports of any incidents from the Police who are Mummers direct from all reporting precincts and this action which you claim to have witnessed is a farce at best. Why didn't you get police if this infact happened? So we are responsible for the actions of the crowd now? There is something called self control and I am nota lowly white of the socioeconomic group you speak of. You are then an accessory. So why don't you "Somber up" LOL! You sound like a drunk who is crying because other people like to drink as well. There, I labled you, how do you like it? A lying, disgruntled, close minded, ignorant trouble making drunk. See we can fabricate lies as well.
Listen MsLou, when I was going home on a Septa bus one day from school I witnessed two black women board a bus. One of the women was pregnant and her friend asked a black male if her pregnant friend could have the seat he was sitting in. An argument broke out between the two women and male that ended when the male punched, (not slapped, but punched), the pregnant woman in the face.
I am not saying that the jerk who threw a woman down at Broad and Walnut gets a pass. But their are acts of violence every day of the week that involve both sober and drunk people. Oh, and please stop making this about race. Every year I see large numbers of black people along the parade route. If the black community hates it so much, why do they attend the parade?
And MsLou, you are full of it! You most certainly hold a grudge. But that is ok, I forgive you. You are an angry, ignorant, narrow minded, clueless person.
We Mummers are a resilient group. This parade has been around for over 100 years and will not disappear because of a budget cut. I invite you to come out this coming New years Day and enjoy the music and pageantry that is a timeless Philadelphia tradition.
Listen girl, It's you and your mummers who lack class. That's the problem. And why parade appeals to a lower socio-economic group of white people. About 4 or 5 years at Broad & Walnut I witnessed a man pick a woman up. He threw her high against the wall. She hit the ground. He could have broken her back. Both drunk. Somber up before you hit the streets of Phila.
MsLou,
I live in the house that I grew up in on Front Street in South Philadelphia. Work for the Department of Recreation with the City of Philadelphia. These budget cuts are a direct affect on my life as I was promoted to a new position, but have been told that I will not get the salary increase because of the cuts. If you want to judge all of us Mummers based one the foolish actions of a few, than that is your narrow minded right.
However, as it has been said many times before, there are doctors, lawyers, judges, politicians, electricians, construction workers, business owners and many others that make up the membership of Mummer clubs. In our free time we raise money, build props, and rehearse our routine. As I also stated we Mummers also give back to our surrounding community. Can't tell you how many times I have seen members bring toys to be donated to hospitals, or club members that are electricians and carpenters work on a house in the neighborhood for next to nothing.
Ms Lou, we are all tired of listening to your ignorant useless comments as you really don't know what you are talking about when it comes to the mummers. We are not drunks and you should not judge everyone else by a few other's mistakes in the past. We work hard to raise money and some clubs struggle every year but still make it up the street with the people that care about the club. Please stop making judgements as it makes you look very classless.
And FQ, I hold no grudge; I never even think about the mummers. Not even on New Year day. You hold the grudge - with the city of Phila budget cuts. Contact Mayor Nutter; if you even live in Phila and pay city wage. Take these cuts like a man and dig into your own pocket. We are not closing libraries, police & fire stations and spare the mummers.
FQ you are living in a small world. Your love for the mummers has made YOU ignorant. Ignorant to the fact that the mummers need to sober up. Improve on their public appearance. Alcohol is a priority with you. It's a hard drinking crowd and it shows.
MsLou,
Please stop making ignorant statements. The alcohol that we have doesn't even show up on our radar. In fact, alcohol is a source of income for most of us at our club houses. Oh, and for those of us with the Brigades and the String bands, very, very little alcohol is consumed until after our performance has been judged.
It is obvious that you hold a grudge against the Mummers. That is fine as we are all allowed to have an opinion. Just please make sure you get the facts straight before you make a comment.
The mummer's got money. Imagine their liquor bill; got to be in the thousands! If they would rearrange their priorities - they wouldn't need city money. It's expensive for thousands of drunks staggering down Broad Street. Phila will never be a world class city.
I think I love you mummergirl. To anyone that thought they knew what they were talking about, and would like to experience the true identity of the mummers, travel down to Front Street on any Sunday morning and see the different Brigades drilling. Watch a club give back to its community.
If I remember correctly, didn't an African American male write a book or film a movie promoting the Mummers a couple of years ago?
Thanks mummergirl you are so right. Well said!!!!!!!
thanks mummergirl!!!!!!
Thanks Nutter, you are loosing so many votes now. Kiss your term goodbye, It is so wrong, to break a tradition for so many years for Philadelphia. I hope and pray there is a good outcome for the mummers after all is said and done. And after reading some of these comments Specially JACKSPLAT. You call yourself a philadelphian? 13 years don't mean swat go back to Pittsburgh you have no idea what your talking about going into a stadium it belongs on Broad Street. Go back home to BORING Pittsburgh where you belong. Hey now that is a great idea.
If I were some of you posting on here I would be embarrased about what I am writing. None of you know anything about the mummers to be judging it and most of you are racist and ignorant. The mummers are not about a drunken fest as many of you have put it but a longtime special family tradition that many hold close to their hearts and have a special passion for. Didn't you ever hear if you don't have anything nice to say then don't say it. You can talk all the racist that you want but I live in the area where everyone is equal and not black and white as many of you have attempted to point out and maybe some of you should think the same concept and learn from it. I am disgusted about what I am reading on this site and it is coming from people who know nothing about the parade. There are many people that work very hard to put the show on for NY Day and they are everyday people as well. Maybe you should try and go behind the scenes to see what it actually takes to put a show like this on b/c many of you would be very surprised. It is a 11 month process for the brigades and stringbands who take pride in there performance for that one special day. Basically if you don't like it then don't watch it and don't go to it but don't sit hear and complain about something that you have no knowledge about.
Brent... When the city puts on another parade for any ethnic groups or anything else, they pay the participants direct. So in essence, that is your prize money.
MsLou,i will sponser you, but you will be on a waiting list with about 50 other people.nobody quits our club, so you might be on the list for 10yrs. we go out to have a good time, win or lose!
Listen Tubes, I been to the parade many times. Originally from So. Philly. I remember as a child the black face and we stopped going because of that. They only stopped because the courts enforced the law. And they were drunk. Drunken men in dresses. Didn't Mayor Rizzo start handing out city money for mummers? Now, S. PHilly has changed dramatically. There's a lot new and different ethnic backgrounds. Where did a large number of mummer types move to?. So. Jersey? Do a lot of the mummers live out of state? What's the problem with paying your own way. They are private clubs. Can I join? Will you sponser me?
Three Hundred Fifty-five Thousand Dollars, are you kidding me? Yes the free ride is over for the mummers. While the two major Philadelphia film festivals struggle to remain active with just a fraction of the funds giving by the city this is an embarrassment. While the budget for the mummers parade of drunks is cut the city should increase the funds giving the the Philadelphia Film Society.
MsLou,have you ever been to the parade? Go this year,you might like it,as far as black people dancing along with us, between south st. & washington ave.there are many black people who do enjoy the parade & actually do dance with us.we give the kids our umbrella"s & you should see the smile on their faces. We are not all drunks, we are just celebrating a new year. as strutgirl said i am proud to be a mummer also!!
I once got a mummer in AC. It cost way less than what the Mayor cut out of his budget.
MsLou, I am sorry that you have no love for a great wonderful tradition. Maybe you like the Greek picnic where they huddle around the woman and rip there clothes off.
SOBER UP! Have some dignity.
I'm doing a rain dance right now!
Let WHYY fund the parade -- they seem to have a lot of cash to throw around!
I am tired of this being a race issue. I was with the Comics for 15 years and we always hired an all black brass band from New Orleans to march with us. Have been with the Fancy Brigades for the 13 years and have seen many different races along the route and in the parade. I'm with edtubes. you don't like it, don't go. Don't want to deal with the noise, leave town for the day.
Any Black person dancing to Golden Slippers must have been drunk too. They don't know the history of the Mummers. I suspect neither do Tubes or s-girl. Use your computer to punch in Blackface and the Mummers. You'll get a hit! As long as you dance on city streets and accept city money; the residents will pass judgement. At one time it was all men. Now it has swelled up to babies, kids, women. Too many intoxicated people. Phila is developing Broad st as the Avenue of the Arts; not the alley of the drunks. It attracts a rough and tumble crowd. Excessive drinking and rowdy obnoxious behavior for years.
I am a Mummer and have been since I was 6. This parade is DEEP in not only city tradition but also family tradition. It may have a tarry history, but currently I feel the parade is not as racist as everyone has been making it out to be. Not only have we had both black and white people in our group, we are definitely not sexist. We have more women than men in our group and our captain is female. I feel that anyone talking bad about the mummers doesn't understand how self reliant these clubs are in finding their own funding and keeping their own traditions alive! Know your facts before you blast something. I would be very depressed if the city dropped the Mummers altogether as I have a lifelong love and passion to be a part. I am PROUD to say I am a Mummer!
as a long time mummer, i don't see race as an issue. when we parade along broad st. the fans are cheering us on, both black & white. when we give are umbrellas to the crowd both black & white they are very happy, especially the children.it"s funny that the black women & children dance along with us,so how can they call this a racial thing? if you don"t like the mummers don"t come to broad street.it is a celebration of a new year. if you don"t want to be a part of it. don"t!!!
FQ95 Think. Not the lost of personal property which I have also experienced. I was describing Hate Crimes which are a criminal offense. An individual is robbed of their dignity. Attacked because of their race, religion, gender, etc. and their civil rights are violated under the law. Once you've become a victim of a hate crime it stays in you mind forever and it's hard to forgive. I never said hated all white people. The Mummers parade earned their reputation with a history of disgraceful behavior and did it in broad day light.
McSameOldBush, this city keeps voting for Democratic mayors. And look what we got - more of the same. It is time for Philly to vote GOP and clean up City Hall.
MsLou,
When I was a about 11 an African American teenager stole my tricker treat bag filled with candy. When I was 17 I was jumped on South Street by 3 African American males. But, I don't hate all African Americans because of the actions of a few.
The city does not pay for the tv slot by the way. That is done my private funding. The city covers the cleanup along the route and the police officers that staff the parade. I am sure there a re a few other costs but they are minimal.
Chris from So. Philly and I must be in the same generation. I spent summers with my grandma who lived near 2 street when I was about 7 & 8 years old. I remember the attacks & racial insults to this day. The courts forced the Mummers to give up blackface. They did not give it up because it was the right thing to do. When they got to Broad & South they wouldn't play because it was black. They did it as an insult. And they are racist drunks. I grew up hating the mummers and pray for rain every New Years Day. It's stupid; get rid of it. Who pays for the TV slot?
I posted a comment about an hour or so ago, and it wasn't "allowed"? There was nothing offensive about it. Wow, censorship at its very worst!
I knew a black Mummer, but the history of the parade is suspect at best. But I know Mummers and they're not a bunch of racists, they're a bunch of drunks. And they pee freely along the side streets of Broad St., and the police do nothing about it. I don't have to watch the parade, but I don't think they need to make the side streets their personal bathrooms either.
It's sad, this parade was fun and traditional. Bottomline: We all need to pull together and accept the sacrifice. The whole country is broke except for those people. I like the idea of the local Bar and pubs footing the bill or maybe the oil companies or even the bank CEOs.
Chris from South Philly, I am with you about the black face paint. It also is a shame that you and your mother were attacked. But, don't blame an entire organization for the acts of a few. The Mummers are a tradition that needs to survive. The parade is unique to this city and for the greater part is self efficient.
Wow! Strong comments...anyway, strongforu, there are some females in the Mummers Parade now. And for "spirited", I was always under the impression that the STRING BANDS were the part almost everybody wants to see, not that nobody stays for them, as you say. I can't believe the Mayor is making all these cuts. Why don't they get rid of all the private cars for city "officials?" That's a big source of waste right there. Closing pools is one thing, closing libraries is another.
It a majority white parade but there are blacks who parade. Just watch it one year. There are also a lot of businesses who enjoy the revenue from mummers groups. We all pay taxes on property here in the city. Pay utilities here in the city and purchase a lot of materials from the home inprovement stores to build those props all while paying taxes for those materials. The majority of mummers live in the city and are taxpayers. It doesn't surprise me that this is a cut. Just look at the cuts and where they are coming from. They are effecting the people who actually pay taxes in the city, not those who get all the free services and breaks in the city.
mr. mayor, have you considered how much money the mummers parade generates for the city compared to the greek picnic? as a mummer myself you will never ruin a tradition that dates back to the early 1900"s. the parade will go on no matter what you do!!! also as a 2 streeter it is in your blood!!!
blsbuster wrote: Whoever does not appreciate the Mummers is not a true Philadelphian, I don't care how you try to paint yourself you are not Philly if you don't understand the traditions.
Stop it. There are plenty of native Philadelphians who want this stupidity to end. You can start with every last Black person in Philly. You cannot expect to march up and down Broad St. in Blackface and have the support of the entire city.
the city sure doesn't mind the MILLIONS that the mummers parade brings into the city each year.
sure, we all have to tighten our belts and we are in a critical moment
but to take away the little bit that the city contributes, prize money wise is short sighted and ridiculous.
the city should try to help line up sponsorship then.
either that or forget about the money that comes from the parade.
Who cares?! As a Black person who grew up in South Philly near "Two Street," I can unequivocally say that the Mummers are a bunch of drunken, racists. There are no Black Mummers. It took city legislation for them to stop wearing Blackface at the parade and they attacked my mother and I when I was only seven-years-old. Who attacks a young mother and her child? Drunken, white Mummers with Blackface on. That's who. Good riddens. The city needs to cancel this parade altogether.
Get rid off all those embarrassing fools. Hold the parade on South Jersey where alot of them live. Especially the "comics", the only clowns there that DON'T make me laugh
Get rid off all those embarrassing fools. Hold the parade on South Jersey where alot of them live. Especially the "comics", the only clowns there that DON'T make me laugh
Good riddance to bad traditions. Maybe we can sell the Rocky statue for scrap metal next.
Hey dont blame Nutter for this it is all Streets fault.
I really do feel bad for the mummers but when the city gets back on its feet thing can resume with the MUMMERS.. I love them and hope that there here for a million yrs more... I do agree withFQ95 the sameshould go for all the parades and just cancel the Greek picnic that is a joke
Spirited, you are missing the point. Mummers know they are not broadway. That is the point. It is regular people who get together and use what they have and can afford to build a basic back round set. Not sure what location you stand or sit at for the string bands, but if you go to Broad and Oregon, Snyder, Washington, and city hall the people are packed deep.
Other than the overtime for the police, the city doesn't do much else for the Mummers. Every single club would march whether there is prize money or not. This is a family affair that spans generations. There are all types of people that partake in the parade. Councilmen, judges, firefighters, police officers, longshoremen, women, children, african americans, asians, and gays. Several String Bands are invited all over the country to play in parades and for dignitaries.
Parades are good for city pride and bring business into town. However, I never understood why the city needed to give prize money to participants. They don't give money to any other groups' floats or performers. The loss of city prize money will not keep a single club from strutting.
The Mummers never got much money from the city. The money they did get would never help 1% of the problem the mayor says the city has.
He should investigate the zoning on houses in the city alot are zone are private properties bu realy are apartments. you can report them but they take info and nothing happens. Btw the mayor is soo much into education why was his daughter not in school Tuesday but at the polls watching him vote at 10:30 am?
I LOVED THE MUMMERS BUT THE REMARKS THEY ARE GETTING THEY DID TO THEMSELVES. NO PLUMES AND TONS OF GOOFY PROPS PLEASE ARE THEY AWARE THEY ARE NOT BROADWAY OR EVEN CLOSE. IF I WANT TO SEE PROPS I WILL GO TO THE ACADEMY OF MUSIC OR THE MERRIAM THEATRE. SO, NOBODY STAYS FOR THE STRINGBANDS ANYWAY. EMPTY STREETS SO WHY WASTE THE MONEY ON PAYING THE POLICE FROM BROAD AND BIGLER TO MARKET STREET WHAT A WASTE. IF THEY WANT TO BE JUDGED START AT SOUTH ST. AND GO TO CITY HALL AND CALL IT A DAY. THEY ARE ONLY INTERESTED IN WINNING NOTHING ELSE. COMPETITION OF WHAT PROPS. SPENT 100,000 ON PROPS PLEASE SPARE ME.
blsbuster - zzzz - you and your neighborhood gibronies may like watching this puzzling, disorganized, painfully boring parade however most philadelphians dont get it and cant stand it, myself included - south philly and south jersey aint all of Philadelphia bro - get out of your neighborhood once in a while...
Thank god - a native philadelphian here who cant stand this ridiculous parade...
As far as I'm concerned the Mummer's Day parade is the wrong kind of parade down Broad Street the city should be spending money on.
Lets go Phillies, Flyers, Sixers, and Eagles!!
Whoever does not appreciate the Mummers is not a true Philadelphian, I don't care how you try to paint yourself you are not Philly if you don't understand the traditions.
I've lived in philly 10 years and have never been to the Mummer's Parade. I never knew that my tax dollars funded these racist, sexist organizations. As far as I know, none of them have any female members and only one of them has non-white members!
This crappy, cheesy parade is nothing but a glorified racist minstrel show. It makes Philly look even more low-rent and small-market than it already is. The smartest thing city hall could do is end this spectacle now. it is time for Philly to step into the 21st century.
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The Mummers parade is, if not, the oldest tradtional parade in the United States. They are part of the Phildadelphia tradition. The "brothers and sisters" who rule the city do not care to much about that!
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Unless the Mayor also cuts all funding to the Greek Picnic, then this decision is RACIST. And I don't even like the Mummers parade!
The Mummers are as dumb as Columbus Day parade. get rid of them both.
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nutter is doing the right things. he has never been part of the machine. AND I AM A REPUBLICAN... as a chief exec he has to make tough choices.. lets hope he can lure some business back and build the revenue base. Nutter for Governor.
To the Mayor and Gov. After the election you certainly hit us under the belt. Everything was "peachy" just before the election... We were all one big happy family. Then bingo!
dreinterests
Every String band, every fancy, every wench brigade and every Fancy brigade do raise money so check your facts before making comments. And it's about tradition. You wouldn't know unless you were assoicated with it.
Are you going to cut the Greek picnic Mayor??? How about the "free concerts on Penns Landing" Mayor... Lets be fair to all Mayor...
What happens to a city when its rituals fall by the wayside? We become just like every other place.
Maybe the Mummers can seek private funds from advertisers like Geno's for their prize money...you know strut wit. I would miss Sweet Georgia Brown on the banjo.
Welcome to socialism all you democrats that voted for your mayor should feel proud.The parade is on the wrong side of broad st.Next you'll here foxwood casinos will sponser the parade,if your lucky.Why did they anounce this before election? Philadelphia needs a change
welcome to socialism all you democrats that voted for your mayor should feel proud.The parade is on the wrong side of broad st.Next you'll here foxwood casinos will sponser the parade,if your lucky.Why did they anounce this before election? Philadelphia needs a change
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coachman22 you don't have a clue as to what you are talking about. Every Mummer is responsible for raising money for their club. All of the clubs continuosly support their communities as well. Do some research before you open your mouth!
Well, being an outsider from Pittsburgh, I've lived in the Burbs of Philly...Elverson/Morgantown, PA. to be exact, for 13 yrs. now. I've watched bits of the parade every year (can't imagine anyone doing the whole thing live...YIKES!) and it eventually gets boring as Hell. I know these people are truely dedicated, but there must be a better way, like parading in the Stadium...Hey, what a great idea!!!
If the Mayor wants to cut costs on the Mummers parade than it would only be fair to do the same for all the parades and gatherings. Columbus Day, Thanksgiving Day, and especially the Greek Picnic. Mummers are a timeless tradition that will continue on no matter what.
Every time i go to the Mummers....i hardly see any black folk. So this should not come as a surprise from the black mafia....
"I would hope the city would sit down and openly acknowledge the importance of the Mummers to the city," is this guy joking. Watching drunks parade up and down Broad Street on the city's dime is important to people in the city? How about getting off your rear and raising the money yourself. If you dont like it LEAVE THE CITY. We will help you pack!
Maybe the mummer's can try to raise money. Hell, you'd think the pubs might help them raise the money.
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"It’s sending the message that they don’t care about us and if the Mummers went away it doesn’t matter."
Yup, that's about right.
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I am ok with the message about the Mummers going away... permanently. That spectacle is stupid and embarrassing.
there's lots of lower profile things you could cut but something like this qualifies as dumb...he just stamped his ticket out of office.
The Mummers' should have been off the city payroll long ago!
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What is Nutter going to do next? Levy a surtax on cheesesteaks and pretzels. Sheesh!
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thank god Nutter smartened up, the Mummer free ride is OVER, time to cancel this farce once and for all
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