One of the things I like about Philadelphia are the civic events, which often have a funky, home-made, improvisational flavor. Rules are minimal and anyone can participate.
There's the Flashlight Symphony, where anyone can show up with a flashlight (covered in red or green tissue) and stand on the steps of the Franklin Institute at night fall, waving it about and singing Christmas carols.
There's the Dracula Parade, sponsored by the Rosenbach Museum. Just come in costume (or not) and carry Dracula banners or oversized papier mache props illustrating the Dracula story, marching around the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood.
There's Super Sunday - but I can see I'm getting carried away - and getting ideas for future blog posts - so stay tuned.
A new event, started three years ago, is the "Carnivale of the Dogs," uber-sponsored by Commerce Bank.
There are many parts to this event, but the heart, what everyone comes for, are to see the dressed up dogs with their dressed up owners. There's judging and there are prizes - and here are some photos taken this year by my husband Bill.
