Philadelphia, PA, USA — “Running of the Santas Mega Festival,” the largest seasonal holiday event in the country is returning to Philadelphia. Two-time Grammy nominated and multi-platinum selling rock band Tonic will spotlight the long list of musical performances at the 2013 “Running of the Santas.” The popular costume-inspired event will take place on December 7, when thousands of Santas and Mrs. Clauses take to the streets to partake in revelry and merrymaking.
“Running of the Santas” started in 1998 in the streets of downtown Philadelphia when 40 close friends decided to suit up in holiday décor and go bar hopping. More than a decade and a half later, the “Running of the Santas” event has grown across the world with more than 20 host cities from California to the shores of New Zealand.
Last year’s Mega Festival attracted more than 7,000 revelers, and organizers of the 2013 “Running of the Santas” are predicting a record 10,000 party-goers this year. This signature holiday extravaganza will kick off at 11 am at Finnigan’s Wake (“The South Pole”) located at 537 N. 3rd Street, where event participants will prepare for a three-block “fun run.” The 4 pm “fun run” proceeds to the Electric Factory (“The North Pole”) located at 421 N. 7th Street.
The day-long festivities will continue with a huge concert and party at the Electric Factory. In addition to Tonic, there will be performances by Go Go Gadjet, Split Decision, LeCompt, Ken Kweder and many other great acts. Event sponsors will also host costume contests which will include the popular “Coolest Santa” and the memorable “Hottest Mrs. Claus” awards.
A portion of the proceeds will go towards benefiting two charity organizations: the Ellie Koerner Leukemia Foundation and the FOP Lodge #5 Survivors Fund. The mission of the Ellie Koerner Leukemia Foundation is to provide assistance to families who struggle to care for a loved one suffering from leukemia. The FOP Lodge #5 Survivors Fund was established to provide financial and emotional assistance to the family members of Philadelphia police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
