How the West Was Fun

New Year’s Day 2019 is now in the history books, and Polish American String Band performed in our 85th Mummers’ Parade. This year’s theme was Best Western; a cowboy theme deep in the heart of the Old West complete with a roving gang of outlaws, the bounty hunters chasing them, a high-stakes bank robbery, and even a shooting gallery full of the town drunks.

A year’s worth of effort culminated in a four and a half minute routine of bright colors, shining sequins, flowing plumes, and fun, upbeat, and energetic music. Under seventh-year Captain, Nick Magenta, third year Drill Director, Rick Hagenbuch, and first-year Music Director, Rob Carrol, Polish American moved up a spot from our 2018 finish to take the tenth prize in this year’s parade. Even more important than the standings, though, New Year’s Day was the culmination of a year’s worth of effort, talent, and dedication! The members of PASB worked incredibly hard throughout the year whether rehearsing music, practicing drill, building, painting, and designing props, and the myriad of other tasks that go into making the show possible.

So now, we begin our 2020 campaign and the process of designing, planning, and perfecting next year’s show. There are some great things on the horizon such as our position selection for the order of march which should take place around late January, the String Band theme submissions which should take place in early February, Mummers Mardi Gras in its new South Philadelphia venue at the end or February, and then right into the heart of parade season which kicks off in earnest around St. Patrick’s Day.

We can’t wait to get started, and if you’d like to join in the fun, yourself, reach out to us to inquire about membership! Come be a part of one of Philadelphia’s greatest traditions!

Check back for updates and new content coming to our website as we begin our journey to 2020!

…and from all of us at Polish American String Band, thank you for your support!