Hop on down to South Street Headhouse District for some FREE, egg-citing family fun during Philadelphia’s 88th Annual Easter Promenade on Sunday, April 21, 2019. Philadelphia’s oldest and largest Easter traditions invites you to join the pastel sea of bonnets, bow ties and bunny ears. Promenade down one of America’s most famous and colorful streets in this grand tradition that dates back to 1931. Master of Ceremonies Henri David, who has been at the forefront of the promenade for nearly 40 years, will return dressed from head to toe in his signature “mile high” and over-the-top Easter finery. Festivities include live music, dancing the Bunny Hop, appearances by Mr. and Mrs. Peter Cottontail, photos with the Easter Bunny, and famous best dressed contests on the. Children, adults and even pets can enter in more than a dozen categories to be named best dressed and best “razzle dazzle.” Celebrity judges include well-known names in fashion, radio and television. The parade itself kicks off at 12:30pm at the corner of South Street and Passyunk Avenue, with judging until approximately 2:00pm in Headhouse Square at 2nd Street. After the parade, enjoy brunch at restaurants throughout Queen Village, Society Hill and Bella Vista. Festivities are free! For more info, visit www.southstreet.com.
Philadelphia’s Easter Promenade is the region’s largest event on Easter Sunday. Over 2,000 people come out each and every year for a celebration that brings together people from neighborhoods all around the city and tri-state region.
Special guests will delight and surprise children of all ages. This year’s line-up includes Mr. and Mrs. Peter Cottontail, the Easter Bunny and the World’s Tallest Rabbit. Philadelphia Freedom Band will proudly march down South Street performing favorite tunes – including the famous Bunny Hop. The Bunny Brigade will have promenade goers dancing in the street – in a Bunny Hop that has gotten to be up to one block long. This year, look for a special new addition as the talented young ladies of The Royal Mix join the promenade line-up. These talented youth will then perform a live song at the promenade stage to kick-off the stage ceremony.
At the promenade stage, participants will walk the run-way and show off their Sunday Best. Participants will enjoy free Easter treats and winners will enjoy special prizes. Children and adults can enter to be crowned Best Dressed, Best South Street Razzle Dazzle or Best Easter Bonnet – even pets can win big if he or she is looking spiffy! Judging categories for 2019 will include:
Best Dressed Baby (Under 2 years)
Best Dressed Little Girl (2-5 years)
Best Dressed Little Boy (2-5 years)
Best Dressed Young Girl (6-12 years)
Best Dressed Young Boy (6-12 years)
Best Dressed Teen Girl (13-19 years)
Best Dressed Teen Boy (13-19 years)
Best Dressed Woman (20+ years)
Best Dressed Man (20+ years)
Best Dressed Family
Best Dressed Pet
Best Easter Bonnet
Best South Street Razzle Dazzle
Celebrity judges this year will include Alex Holley from Fox 29, Molly Given from Metro Newspaper, Patty Jackson from WDAS, Marilyn Russell from WOGL and DJ Robert Drake “Mr. Christmas” from WXPN. Other celebrity judges will be announced closer to the event on the South Street Headhouse District Facebook page.
While David has been with the promenade for nearly 40 years, he’s not alone. Many families and neighbors have brought generation after generation to the festivities. Marlo Dilks, owner of SliCE and P’unk Burger, has been come with her family for over 30 years. In fact, Marlo and Jason Dilks will bring their SEVEN girls – including their brand new baby Roma – to the 2019 promenade. For this family, they wouldn’t even think about being anywhere else in the world on Easter Sunday. Warning, though, the Dilks come out to win! They start planning their outfits sometimes months in advance. Its part of their family tradition. The family has won multiple times – and their new “spring chick” Roma could be a contender for best dressed baby.