-Courtesy of Philly PR Girl
Hop on over to the South Street Headhouse District for the 90th Annual Easter Promenade on Sunday, April 9, 2023. Philadelphia’s go-to spot for all things Easter offers a variety of free, family-friendly spring activities, including the 3rd Annual South Street Egg Hunt beginning March 17, photo-ops with the Easter Bunny, brunch options, and of course, the Easter Promenade’s Best Dressed Contest. The Promenade kicks off at 12:30 p.m. at 5th & South Street, and ends at the Headhouse Plaza on 2nd & Lombard Street.
For the past 90 years, the Easter Promenade has been a staple in Philadelphia and a tradition for many families. Originally starting in Rittenhouse Square, the Promenade moved to South Street in the 1980’s where it received a #SlightlyOffCenter spin, including new traditions like live performers, Mr. and Mrs. Cotton Tail, and the Best Dressed Pet category! Today, the Promenade is one of the longest running traditions in the city of Philadelphia. There are attendees that have been coming to the event their whole lives, and many continue to bring their family every year!
“Some of my fondest memories of South Street are attending the Promenade with my family. 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!” said Shannon Maldonado, owner of SSHD business YOWIE.
The 90th anniversary is an opportunity for family and friends to start new traditions on South Street. This year, FOX29 is hopping on as the media partner and on-air talent will be joining in on the fun! Attendees can also participate in the South Street Egg Hunt before and after the Promenade for the chance to win egg-cellent prizes!
The Promenade ends at Headhouse Plaza, where the Best Dressed Contest takes place. It encourages fashion enthusiasts of all ages and genders to celebrate the day by showing off their most extravagant holiday-themed costumes. Hundreds of children, families, and pets enter the contest in hopes to win prizes in categories including:
- Best Dressed Infants/Babies
- Best Dressed Child (Ages 2-5)
- Best Dressed Kid (Ages 6-10)
- Best Dressed Teen (Ages 11-17)
- Best Dressed Adult
- Best Dressed Family
- Best Dressed Pet
- Best Easter Bonnet
- Best South Street 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!
“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, South Street Headhouse District Executive Director.
For anyone looking to compete in this year’s contest, South Street is the perfect place to pick up new pieces for your spring wardrobe, including Easter dresses and suits, new-to-you vintage flair, a fresh pair of kicks, as well as fabric to make your own outfit! Before the Promenade kicks off, attendees are encouraged to grab brunch at one of South Street’s delicious restaurants. Afterwards, attendees can take a stroll around the district to shop at the hundreds of unique stores the district has to offer.
Also returning this year is the third annual South Street Egg Hunt. Participants are invited to explore the South Street Headhouse District in search of Easter eggs decorated by local artists, CAPA students, and SSHD business owners. Starting March 17, 2023, Easter eggs will be hidden in store fronts & business windows throughout the South Street Headhouse District, ready to be found through April 9, 2023. 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 artists include street artists Doomed Future and Inphltrate, as well as Conrad Booker, whose mural is featured in the district’s Self-Guided Tour of Black History on South Street. Isaiah Zagar will also be contributing an egg, which will be on display at Eye’s Gallery’s new South Street pop-up location, 327 South Street. That’s your first hint, but don’t worry—physical and digital egg maps will be available with additional clues.
For more information on all things South Street, you can follow South Street Headhouse District on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok. For more information, you can visit SouthStreet.com.
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