Parades?

I have never been entertained by parades. Is there big ca$h for being a spectacle (participant) in the MUMMERS??? My wife, from Pennsylvania, LOVES the Mummers. I don't get it. Unless it's for big prizes. I'm sure it's more constructive than acting silly drunk at an Eagles tailgate but???? The mummers are all drunk right?
I suppose everyone needs a creative outlet and not everyone can be in their
(favorite band HERE/Hollywood Blockbuster) but I don't get the whole adult dress up phenomenon in our area?
The first thing I noticed when relocating to this region over 15 years ago was how serious local residents took their "halloween?" Inflatible lawn figures? KIDS love all of it AND they should. So leave the dress up for them. We can be drunk and silly without all the goofy make up.