Mummers suspend String Band competition due to weather concerns

As their annual parade continues through Philadelphia, the Mummers suspended their String Band competition on Thursday due to powerful winds in the region.

“Due to weather concerns, sustained 30 MPH winds, wind damage during unloading and set-up and safety concerns, Philadelphia String Band Association and Philadelphia Mummers Parade announces that the String Band competition will be suspended until further notice,” a spokesperson wrote in a release Thursday morning. “In the spirit of celebrating New Year’s Day and this important milestone for our city and nation, the String Bands will all still march in full costume and make-up and perform for TV, internet and live audiences on Broad Street and City Hall. They will march without props. Times and order will remain the same.”

While the competition has been suspended, the parade still kicked off in Center City Thursday morning. You can find a full guide to the annual parade as well as road closures here.