February 2022
If you're not from Philadelphia, the terms "Mummers" or "String Bands" probably don't mean a lot to you. However, to Philadelphians, they're a New Year's Day tradition going back over 120 years. I watch the Mummer's Parade on TV each January 1st and have seen various string bands perform in person at various events over the years. However, while looking for someplace to go for the weekend, we discovered that about a dozen of the bands (a majority of them) were performing at Renault Winery in Egg Harbor City. It was a new event called Mummers Mardi Gras. It made a really fun mini-vacation. Even though it was only less than an hour from home, the festivities were all outside which made it a nice COVID-safe way to get away for a few days. We stood out in the barely above freezing temperatures for over 5 hours and enjoyed the string bands. A glass of mulled-wine helped me stay warm too.
