“There is nothing organized. There is no official parade,” said Same Regalbuto, president of the Philadelphia Mummers String Band Association.
Regalbuto says they are asking their members to put aside this year’s tradition.
“As a person who has been directly affected by COVID, we ask people to stay at home and be safe with their families,” he said.
Online, a Facebook page with two anonymous hosts declared a Mummer’s New Year’s Day protest against Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney.
About 2,800 people have already signed and confirmed that they would attend.
The city is asking people to stay home and safe.
“We are just going to go down there, parade and distribute hand sanitizer for free to everyone,” said Michael McGrail.
McGrail is not a member of any Mummer club, but intends to distribute security kits to those who wish to attend Friday’s unofficial event.
“We are going to move forward one way or the other,” he said.
“It hurts a little bit because we’re here and we usually have a lot of business when they’re around,” said Neil Mininger.
Meanwhile, some residents of the area think this new year will be more peaceful.
Others have not yet decided whether to go to unofficial festivities.
“It may be. It may not be. I’m a little nervous about it. I don’t want to take it or anything,” said Rebecca Nini.
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