Help Save the Mummers - Your Contribution Is Needed
Thursday December 18, 2008
If, like me, you're a fan of the Mummers and feel that the annual New Year's Mummers Parade is not only a valuable tradition but an important part of the culture of the City of Philadelphia, here's your chance to show your support.
As you know the City of Philadelphia is only paying $300,000 of what is usually a $1,000,000 cost to put on the parade. This includes prize money for the winners in each parade division. In two weeks the parade will take place on Broad Street, but there will be no prize money and the Mummers will be responsible to any costs over $300,000.
Each year thousands of people come out to see the parade. The dollars that the crowds spend generate lots of money for the City, SEPTA and the numerous vendors along the parade route. The hotels along Broad Street are usually sold out for the parade.
A website has been established to help defray the costs of the upcoming parade and future parades. It appears that in 2010 the City may pay nothing towards the parade. Go to http://savethemummers.com/ and send whatever you can to help support this Philadelphia tradition, unlike any other in the country.
As you know the City of Philadelphia is only paying $300,000 of what is usually a $1,000,000 cost to put on the parade. This includes prize money for the winners in each parade division. In two weeks the parade will take place on Broad Street, but there will be no prize money and the Mummers will be responsible to any costs over $300,000.
Each year thousands of people come out to see the parade. The dollars that the crowds spend generate lots of money for the City, SEPTA and the numerous vendors along the parade route. The hotels along Broad Street are usually sold out for the parade.
A website has been established to help defray the costs of the upcoming parade and future parades. It appears that in 2010 the City may pay nothing towards the parade. Go to http://savethemummers.com/ and send whatever you can to help support this Philadelphia tradition, unlike any other in the country.
Comments
This seems to be a typical reaction in the tri-state area: The gov’t withdrawls funding because the budget is tight and times are tough. The city says if the Mummers want to perform, then they have to pay the tab. The Mummers provide a service for the community. It is something that many thousands look forward to and is brand recognition for the region. Furthermore those city workers earning overtime turn around and put that well-earned income back into our economy. In the city’s limited vision though, they can save money right away, but in the long run, will hurt us and themselves, and still won’t balance the budget.
It is my opinion that the taxpayers, residents, and concerned citizens (most of who already on the hook for the $700Billion TARP bailout) that would consider helping out SHOULD NOT put up the money for the Mummers. I love the Mummers, but they need to make a statement, much like the Miss America Pageant did several years ago, and find a new home that will love and respect them.