And that’s a good thing!
For the first time in its very long history, the Mummers Parade — a fantastic costumed/sequined/choreographed extravaganza that takes place every New Year’s Day in Philadelphia — there will be an all-drag contingent. Lead by Philly drag star Ms. Brittany Lynn, the Drag Brigade will be part of what is normally a super straight event (despite the 10-foot-tall feather headdresses and superb dance numbers). The Mummers Parade is thought to be the oldest folk festival in the U.S. with roots reaching back to the mid 17th century.
Read the official press release (and ticket information) after the jump.
PHILADELPHIA, November 27, 2012 – Philadelphia drag star Ian Morrison, a.k.a Ms. Brittany Lynn, and her Drag Mafia will be the first “Drag Brigade” to ever march in the Philadelphia Mummer’s Day Parade on New Year’s Day.
James Julia, President of the Mummers Brigade Association, and Rocco Gallelli the current Mummers Board President, asked Morrison and his Drag Mafia to lead the String Bands in the parade down Philadelphia’s Broad Street. The group will march from Washington Avenue to City Hall before departing the parade to join the Fancy Brigades at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
At the Pennsylvania Convention Center, each of the 10 drag stars will perform a two minute number to open for their assigned Fancy Brigade. Their performances will include themed outfits to match their brigade along with back-up dancers.
Ian, as his alter ego Brittany Lynn, will be joined by fellow drag stars: Crystal Electra, Alexis Cartier, Misses P., Porcelain, Bridgette Jones, Stella D’Oro, Mary D’ Knight, Navaya Shay, and Cherry Pop.
“We are all honored and thrilled to be asked to march down Broad Street with the Mummers in such a great Philly tradition. Then to be the “hype-men” for the amazing Fancy Brigades at the Pennsylvania Convention Center is just beyond words,” says Morrison.
Background:
The Mummers Parade welcomes 2013 with sequins, feathers, music and revelry on New Year’s Day in Philadelphia. Dating back to 1901, Mummers are men and women of all ages who belong to more than 40 organized clubs that make up the parade participants. The clubs, split into five divisions—Comics, Wench Brigades, Fancies, String Bands and Fancy Brigades
The parade begins at 10:00 a.m. at the intersection of Broad Street and Snyder Avenue and proceeds to City Hall, followed by a ticketed competition at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Spectators should purchase tickets ahead of time to sit in the judging stand or get there early to find a spot along the parade route. Convention Center, 12th& Arch Streets, phillymummers.com; tickets for bleacher seating outside City Hall available at the Independence Visitor Center, 6th & Market Streets, (215) 965-7676, independencevisitorcenter.com; tickets for the competition at the Convention Center are available at (800) 298-4200 or comcasttix.com.
The LGBTQ Travel Expert. Educator. Speaker. Author. 