February 13, 2026
For generations, IBEW Local 98 has been a proud part of one of Philadelphia’s greatest traditions — the Mummers Parade. Hundreds of our members actively participate in Mummers clubs, helping to make the parade what it is today, while thousands of Local 98 families support those clubs throughout the year. The 2026 parade was no different.
Once again, our Union served as a main sponsor of the parade telecast, covering both the morning parade — including the Comics, Wenches and String Band performances — as well as the nighttime Fancy Brigade Finale.
In late 2022, the broadcast of the 2023 Mummers Parade was in jeopardy and at risk of not being aired for Philadelphia residents on New Year’s morning. That possibility did not sit well with many people, especially Business Manager Lynch and the leadership of Local 98. Working alongside representatives from the parade associations, particularly Sam Regalbuto of the String Band Association, an opportunity emerged to air the parade on MeTV.
Pictured. IBEW Local 98 members Fran Rothwein, Scott Wray, Ken Niewinski,Michael “Spanky” Brown, Pat McGugan, Steve Helner Jr. & Tom Wisniewski(not Pictured) with the 2026 String Band Champions Trophy.)
President Jim Foy requested a meeting with all parties involved to sit down, work through the logistics and ensure the parade would be televised as scheduled. In October 2022, in the back of the old Business Office on Spring Garden Street, President Foy, Business Representative Bobby Gormley, Business Representative Tony Sabo, PMSBA President Sam Regalbuto, Barry Fisher of MeTV and representatives from the City of Philadelphia came together and developed a game plan that successfully put the show on the air. President Foy and Business Manager Lynch also made certain that Local 98 members were once again behind the cameras and running the parade, as they have been for years.
That same year, the Fancy Brigade Association faced similar challenges in securing coverage for the Fancy Brigade Finale. Fancy Brigade Association President Jack Hatty Jr. worked closely with Local 98 President Foy to ensure this spectacular show would be available for fans to watch. Once again, the leadership and membership of Local 98 stepped up to support a Philadelphia tradition that deserves to be celebrated.
The members of IBEW Local 98 are woven into the fabric of our community. The following are just a few testaments to what it truly means to be part of the IBEW Local 98 family and the proud tradition we uphold in Philadelphia:
“I’ve been surrounded by the Aqua String Band my entire life, growing up alongside my family and friends. That same sense of family is what I see in Local 98, where everyone supports one another like brothers and sisters and genuinely wants to see each other succeed.”
—Andrew Maminski, Local 98 Apprentice
“The Philadelphia Mummers Parade and Local 98 both mean tradition, Brotherhood, craftsmanship, hard work and dedication. Both are two things that a lot of Local 98 members are very proud tobe a part of.”
—Scott Wray, 98 JW and Quaker City String Band Member
“I was born and raised in a community that you always stuck together. The friends I grew up with are the same people I’m the closes with today. Being a part of the Americans NY and Local 98 is just like my childhood. We take care of each other, we look out for each other’s family, and we always pick each other up when someone falls on hard times. Pride isn’t just a word to us; it’s part of our lifestyle.“
—George Novelli, 98 JW, Americans NYB Secretary/Treasurer
