A Facebook page featuring two anonymous hosts has declared a Mummers New Year’s Day protest against Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney.
Mummers organization leaders said they did not support the protests and that they should keep their members at home.
“There is nothing organized. There is no official parade,” said Same Regalbuto, president of the Philadelphia Mummers String Band Association.
By 10:00, groups were seen gathering in the streets of South Philadelphia.
“As a person directly affected by COVID, we urge people to please stay at home and be safe with their families,” Regalbuto said.
Flyers circulated through South Philly this week, reminding people that the city had canceled the parade due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
About 2800 people signed and confirmed that they would attend the protest.
Michael McGrail was one of those who planned to attend. He is not a member of any Mummers club, but was planning to hand out safety kits to those who wanted to attend Friday’s unofficial event.
“We’re just going to go there, prop and give away free disinfectant to everyone,” McGrail said.
The city is appealing to people to stay at home and stay safe.
Society Hill Beverage is directly across from where the parade usually ends in Two Street.
“It hurts a little bit because we’re here, and we usually have a lot of issues when they’re here,” said Neil Mininger of Society Hill Beverage.
The mayor’s office said they would not break up the official event, but if public safety was threatened, police would intervene.
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