Inside look at Greater Kensington String Band’s rehearsal for the Mummers Parade

BRISTOL, Pa. (WPVI) — With New Year’s Day fast approaching, the Greater Kensington String Band is putting the finishing touches on its performance for the annual Mummers Parade. During one of the group’s final rehearsals, band leaders offered a glimpse into the extensive work that goes into preparing for the big day.

“The month of December most of the people live at the club and make it all happen, so a lot goes on behind the scenes,” said Vice President John Winski.

The band will perform a jungle-themed show titled “Adventurers Beware,” according to Captain Shawn Blubaugh. Winski said the theme stands apart from past performances. “This theme’s a little different. I don’t want to say too much but we’re hoping to surprise a lot of people,” he said.

String bands perform for judges outside City Hall before making their way down Broad Street, competing for trophies and bragging rights. Blubaugh said the preparation is a year-round effort. “We call Mum season the September October November December months. But we’re planning all year round. A theme committee will start mid-January to start putting the show together for the following year,” he said.

Drill Director Matt Krohn said fundraising is also a year-round effort. “When you see Mummers around the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, we’re raising money to afford the suits, the props, the music, everything that goes into it,” he said.

While competition is part of the tradition, members say the sense of camaraderie is what keeps families involved for generations. “It’s always been a family organization so my daughter and sister are both in the organization as well,” Winski said.

Krohn echoed that sentiment. “At the end of the day we can all go back and be great friends, hang out at our clubhouse, and just be jolly and have a good time,” he said.

The Mummers Parade begins at 9 a.m. Thursday.