How did I miss the Mummers?

I have lived right across the border from Philadelphia for almost 5 years. Somehow I missed the annual New Years Day Mummers Parade. What is a Mummer, you might ask? "Mummers are costumed entertainers welcoming in the New Year. Some of the earliest mummers date back to early Egypt, pagan Rome and Greece, England, Germany, and France. Historically, Mummery has influenced customs and perpetuated many interesting traditions. Every nation had its festivals at one time or another, each marked by parades and displays of fanciful costumes. All of these cultures passed along their traditions from generation to generation, and eventually these traditions were brought to America by immigrants." I hate parades, but I would totally watch this parade. Seriously, have you ever seen a parade with a stage crew? Ry maintains they should be wearing grey instead of black to blend in with the pavement. We're going to go to this parade in a couple years when the boys are old enough to appreciate it. This band only took 8th place, but it was the first routine I saw and I literally watched it with my mouth gaping. Mummers? Awesome.