February 18, 2016
During the run-up to this weekend's Mummers Mardi Gras parade in Manayunk, event organizers signaled alarm over tepid fundraising efforts in the aftermath of the New Year's Day controversy surrounding signs and statements that disparaged minority groups.
With the help of Democratic U.S. Rep. Bob Brady, the parade will go on after an additional $8,000 donation from the nonprofit Greater Philadelphia Traditions Fund, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.
The money will go to the Manayunk Development Corp. to complete a $17,000 donation to the String Band Association, which will present all 17 Mummers string bands on Main Street this weekend as the event returns for its second year. Public drinking will be prohibited along the one-mile parade route.
The full-day, family-friendly event will include activities such as face-painting and photo booths while the Mummers will join their own cultural traditions with the pageantry of New Orleans.
Brady, who announced the donation Thursday and will serve as the parade grand marshal, suggested the issues on New Year's Day should not be magnified beyond the actions of a few people who compromised the tradition with their insensitivity.
The parade will begin Saturday at 11 a.m. Check out the event website for additional information.
