Spectators Brave Extreme Cold To Watch Mummers Strut Along Broad Street
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - It may have been one of the coldest Mummers Day Parades on record, but spectators still made it out on New Year's Day to watch the annual strut down Broad Street.
People came from all over, bundled in snow suits, ski pants, jackets and blankets, lined the streets around City Hall.
A frigid #MummersParade to kick off 2018. If you're coming out to watch, there is no such think as too many layers - trust me! @KYWNewsradio pic.twitter.com/jDeso7WiNq
— Kristen Johanson (KJ) (@KristenJohanson) January 1, 2018
"We're from Texas," said Samantha, who was there with her son Logan.
It was Logan first time at the Mummers Parade.
"I think it's pretty cool, but it's very cold out here," he said. "I think it's probably about 14 or 1 negative right now."
Samantha said she came prepared.
"He's got three pairs of pants on, two pairs of Long Johns underneath his jeans," she said. "He's got a long sleeve shirt and a hoodie."
This is Lou. Lou is cold. Lou is cold at the #mummersparade @KYWNewsradio #philly pic.twitter.com/Ko0k8SDVUz
— Kristen Johanson (KJ) (@KristenJohanson) January 1, 2018
Organizers had considered postponing the event due to weather conditions, but voted Saturday to go ahead with the parade.
Many voiced concern that the bone-chilling temperatures could be dangerous for parade participants and some instruments used by string bands that march in the event.
Temperatures were in the single digits when the parade started.
<a href="http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/photo-galleries/2018/01/01/philly-celebrates-new-year-2018/#.WkpiYAz05UY.twitter"><strong>PHOTOS: Philly Celebrates New Year 2018</strong></a>
That didn't stop Serv and his family from traveling from Montreal to experience the Mummers for the first time.
"Well, actually it's cold," he said, "but not that bad for us."
"It looks like I'm in Louisiana when we go for Mardi Gras, but less warm."
___
<i>Find out who the winners of this year's <a href="http://cbsloc.al/2Cy0kPj" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mummers Parade were here!</a></i>