Midwesterner finds home in Philly's Mummers Parade

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - December 31, 2010 -- The oldest member of the Aqua String Band in Philadelphia's iconic Mummers Parade is neither a resident nor native of the city.

Ed Williams grew up on a Midwestern farm and has spent the last 40 years in Allentown.

But the 77-year-old banjo player is one of hundreds of marching musicians in the New Year's Day parade.

Williams' history with the event is a bit unusual. He doesn't come from a Mummers family.

He first took part in the mid-1950s as a Navy corpsman stationed in South Philadelphia, and joined in earnest after settling in the area years later.

The Midwesterner says he enjoys the camaraderie and the crowds.

The Mummers Parade dates to Jan. 1, 1901.

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