PHILADELPHIA – Thousands of people are braving sub-freezing temperatures to celebrate 2009 Philadelphia-style.
They’re watching the Mummers parade of comics, musicians and others dressed in elaborate costumes of satin, sequins and feathers.
True to promise, the Mummers appeared to be sticking to a tighter schedule Thursday, without the long delays between acts that drew complaints in the past.
The Mardi Gras-like festivities almost didn’t happen this year after the cash-strapped city withdrew more than $400,000 in support.
It was saved through last-minute private fundraising and an agreement to shorten the hours-long pageant.
The event has about 15,000 people parading some four kilometres through the heart of the city in -5 C temperatures.
