Easter may be just around the corner in Philadelphia, but the holiday fun is already happening on South Street.
Leading up to the 90th Annual Easter Promenade on April 9, the neighborhood will be hosting a variety of free, family-friendly spring activities, including the 3rd Annual South Street Egg Hunt, which began earlier this month on the 17.
The eggs—which are hidden among the Street’s storefronts—were decorated by local artists, CAPA students, and SSHD business owners. As a release states, each egg found offers participants a chance to win prizes, such as $50 gift cards or the Grand Prize Egg Basket valued at $1,000. This year’s participating creatives include street artists Doomed Future and Inphltrate, as well as Conrad Booker, whose mural was featured in the district’s Self-Guided Tour of Black History on the Street earlier this year.
The mind behind Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens—Isaiah Zagar—also has an egg, and this particular piece of art will be on display somewhere at Eye’s Gallery’s new pop-up location, located at 327 South Street. Those who are interested in participating in the hunt can find out more clues in both physical and digital egg maps, and the latter is available online.
It all leads up to the Promenade on Easter Sunday, which has been a tradition in the City of Brotherly Love for 90 years. The annual event originated in Rittenhouse Square, but was moved to South Street in the 1980s. And with that move came some of the new(ish) traditions, including the addition of live performances, Mr. and Mrs. Cotton Tail, and the Best Dressed Pet category.
The 90th anniversary is an opportunity for family and friends to start new traditions as well, the release continues. For starters, this year, FOX29 is adding on as the media partner, and on-air talent will be joining in on the occasion. Additionally, attendees can also participate in the South Street Egg Hunt before and after the Promenade.
“We are excited to celebrate the 90th year of the Easter Promenade with classic traditions as well as new traditions including partnerships with groups around Philadelphia. Come out and show us your Easter best,” said Michael Harris, SSHD Executive Director in a statement.
The promenade ends in Headhouse Square where the traditional Best Dressed Competition takes place. Categories range from the best dressed of certain age groups and a few specialty rounds—such as families, pets, bonnets and the best “Razzle Dazzle.”
Prizes for the Best Dressed Contest include gift cards for new district businesses like Cuzzy’s Ice Cream Parlor, Brazas BBQ Chicken, and Redcrest Kitchen, in addition to The Philly Game Shop, Atomic City Comics, Hale & True Cider Co., Ac’cent on Animals, Sprinkled Sweetness, and The Bagel Place, the release finishes.
And where can you find your Sunday best? South Street is showcasing its boutiques as one-stop-shops to find your outfit, and also, restaurants in the neighborhood will be showcasing their brunch on April 9 (check out South Street’s website to find a full list of nearby venues.)
“Some of my fondest memories are attending the Promenade with my family,” said Shannon Maldonado, owner of SSHD business YOWIE in a statement. “Creating outfits for this event became a big source of pride for my mom who would hand-make our coordinating family outfits. And she was, of course, even prouder the few years that we won. I’m so glad this tradition is continuing with a new audience.”
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