PHILADELPHIA – The bright sun illuminated the majestic, temporarily hued green and red steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art as the 92nd annual 6ABC parade began on Thursday morning. There was a noticeable difference with a bright pink and orange color scheme appearing in flags, hats, and sweatshirts thanks to the new sponsor, Dunkin’ Donuts.
Key performances included Iyaz singing “Pretty Girlz” accompanied by the Eagles Cheerleaders, Cece Peniston belting out her 90s hit “Finally” while students from the Philadelphia High School of the Creative and Performing Arts had an exciting hip hop routine, and two Atlantic City Ballet dancers interpreting Nathan Pacheco’s beautiful “O Holy Night.” The Farm debuted their new country single “Home Sweet Home” with guitars and fiddle which created a unique sound.
Hosted by Rick Williams and Cecily Tynan, many celebrities visited including Pennsylvania native Charlie McDermott from the hilarious show “The Middle. Sam Champion from “Good Morning America” as well as Carla Hall from the new ABC show, “The Chew” came by to chat.
The Designer Shoe Warehouse (DSW) sponsored a performance of none other than shoe – inspired songs: “These Boots Are Made For Walkin’”, “Blue Suede Shoes”, “Boogie Shoes,” and “Footloose”. Complementing on the shoe theme, over forty tap studios became part of the “FanTAPulous” dance performance in the streets to the catchy song,“Party Rock Anthem” with special choreography from hip hop dancers from the I Am Phresh Dance Studio. Marching bands from across the nation and as far as Alabama walked along the historic parade route with the sounds of instruments blaring.
Mayor Nutter and his wife arrived in style in a horse drawn carriage as did Princess Tiana and Rapunzel representing Disney On Ice. Creative and whimsy floats amazed the viewers including the sponsor’s new imagination of Mrs. Claus and an Elf baking delicious donuts. Phil, the adorable turkey balloon, was renamed by a poll on facebook in honor of the city.
After many great performances the finale was the icing on the pumpkin pie as over 2,000 performers including Justin Guarini, who was in the American Idol Finals with Kelly Clarkson, welcomed Santa Claus. He and Mrs. Claus glided up the steps to ring in the Christmas season and mark the end of another lively parade.