Bill McIntyre's Shooting Stars

Welcome to our first Community Spotlight

A new series from Fritz & Bianculli, LLC, a Philadelphia-based personal injury and accident law firm focused on helping families through the toughest situations.

We launched this series to highlight the local places and people that make our neighborhoods strong—and are proud to highlight Bill McIntyre’s Shooting Stars NYB, a South Philadelphia institution and one of the most historic groups in Philadelphia Mummers Parade history. Founded in 1948, the Shooting Stars have played a defining role in preserving and advancing the tradition of the Fancy Brigades for more than seven decades.

Featured SpotBill McIntyre’s Shooting Stars NYB

South Philadelphia

Bill McIntyre’s Shooting Stars NYB
1931 S 3rd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19148

Bill McIntyre’s Shooting Stars hold a truly historic place in the Mummers tradition. They are the first-ever and longest-tenured Fancy Brigade in the Fancy Brigade Association, setting the standard for creativity, excellence, and longevity. The Shooting Stars are also the winningest Fancy Brigade in Mummers history, earning an incredible 19 First Prize performances, including a record-setting 14 First Prize Captain awards—a testament to their leadership, artistry, and dedication year after year. The story began with Bill McIntyre, who spent 25 years marching with various comic clubs before deciding it was time for a new chapter. In 1946, he joined the Fancy Division, and by 1949, he was ready to form a group of his own. As the 1949 Mummers Parade approached, Bill’s wife Elizabeth McIntyre suggested the name “Shooting Stars,” inspired by that year’s parade theme. The name stuck—and Mummers history was made. In 1950, when Fancy Groups officially became known as Fancy Brigades, the Shooting Stars Fancy Brigade was formally born. More than seventy years later, the Shooting Stars remain a powerful symbol of tradition, innovation, and community pride within South Philadelphia and the greater Mummers family.

Why we created community spotlight: At Fritz & Bianculli, we’re proud to be community-based. We meet people on some of the worst days of their lives—and we believe showing up for the community should not only happen after an injury. This series is our way of supporting local businesses, celebrating neighborhood staples, and building real connections across Philadelphia.