The Fanciest New Year's Day Celebration Is in Philadelphia at the 2008 Mummers Fancy Brigade Finale

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Philadelphia is a city known for the Liberty Bell, brotherly love and, of course, the beloved Mummers. This year, the fanciest New Year's Day celebration is in Philadelphia for the 2008 Mummers Fancy Brigade Finale at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The Fancy Brigade Finale is a component of the famous Mummers Parade, the oldest folk parade in the United States.

The fancy brigades perform two indoor, guaranteed shows in the Pennsylvania Convention Center in addition to marching in the historic Mummers Parade on Broad Street with three other divisions of Mummers, which include the comics, fancies and string bands. With their elaborate, larger-than-life costumes and props and themes that include King Tut, Japanese Samurais and Prehistoric Animals, 11 fancy brigade clubs perform the family show at noon and the evening show at 5:00 p.m.

"The Mummers Fancy Brigade Finale is part of the internationally recognized Philadelphia Mummers Parade," said Jim Julia, president of the Philadelphia Mummers Fancy Brigade Association. "All 11 fancy brigades work diligently year-round to ensure each show is bigger and more exciting than the previous year."

December 28 - 31, families can gain a sneak peak into the Fancy Brigade Finale at MummersFest, a four-day indoor festival at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Families and groups can enjoy an exclusive 50-minute behind-the-scenes tour led by a former captain and experience a full dress rehearsal without costumes---costumes are only unveiled on New Year's Day!

For tickets to the Fancy Brigade Finale at the Pennsylvania Convention Center located on 12th & Arch streets, Mummers fans should call 215-893-1999 or visit ticketphiladelphia.org. Tickets are $19 and $14; tickets for groups of 25 or more are $18 and $13. Children ages 3 and younger are admitted free.

Web site: www.fancybrigade.com