Mummers parade goes on as planned despite bone-chilling cold

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Thousands of marchers braved bone-chilling temperatures and wind chills as they take part in the annual Mummers Parade in Philadelphia.

Organizers had considered postponing the event because of concerns over the brutal weather conditions. But they voted to go ahead with the New Year's Day parade, which featured performers dressed in colorful costumes adorned with sequins and feathers marching down the city's main north-south thoroughfare.

Temperatures were in the single digits when the parade started. Concerns had been raised the frigid temperatures could be dangerous for parade participants and some instruments used by marching string bands.

Here they come! #Mummers club members leave 2 Street and prepare for the start of the #MummersParade at 9am! @FOX29philly #HappyNewYear pic.twitter.com/Ok6F6XG4RF

-- Dave Kinchen🇺🇸FOX (@DKinchenFOX29) January 1, 2018

MORE: Bone-chilling temperatures, snow persist across Pa. | Code Blue information for Philadelphia

Heating tents and warm buses were set up along the route for the Mummers.

Philadelphia has hosted the Mummers Parade since 1901.

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