ABOUT THE DOWNTOWNERS

2023 Officers of the Downtowners Fancy Brigade

HISTORY

It all started in 1959 when, after taking First Prize in a special mention category, a Brigade led by their now legendary Hall of Fame Captain Bill Isaacs was accepted into the Fancy Brigade Division of the Mummers Parade. The name chosen for this new Brigade was “Downtowners". The Brigade's first 3 years of competition failed to produce a top 10 showing. Although not achieving success in the early years, an attitude and character was forming which would be the foundation of one of the most innovative and successful Brigades on Broad Street.

The Downtowners won their first championship in 1964 with "Coronation". The Brigade repeated as champions in 1965 with "Genghis Khan and the Mongols". After a 9th place finish in 1966, the Brigade won two more back to back championships in 1967 and 1968 with "Trooping the Colors" and "Tomahawk to Peacepipe". After only nine years of existence the Downtowners had won 4 First Prizes and became, in the words of Captain Bill Isaacs, "the ones to beat".

HALL OF FAME

Through the years, many members have contributed to the success of our Brigade. Some have made a lasting mark. In recognition of their long time dedicated service and extraordinary contributions to our organization, the following members have been honored with election into theDowntowners Fancy Brigade “HALL OF FAME”