Chicago’s Bud Billiken Parade returns to South Side with emphasis on safety

CHICAGO (WLS) — The Bud Billiken Parade is a two-and-a-half-mile celebration on Chicago’s South Aspect that dates again to 1929.

“Everyone appears to be like ahead to this parade as a result of it’s all about household and custom. It is our tradition. We’re celebrating one another,” mentioned Myiti Sengstacke-Rice, with Chicago Defender Charities.

After a smaller model final yr because of the pandemic, this yr’s festivities will function some 200 marching bands, dance teams and drill groups, in addition to different performers.

Bud Billiken parade 2022 might be broadcast reside on ABC7 Chicago

“I’m actual excited. It’s a huge alternative. I’ve been watching the Bud since I used to be slightly,” parade participant Earl Allen mentioned.

This parade comes greater than a month after the Fourth of July tragedy in Highland Park when a shooter fired at parade-goers from a rooftop.

With presumably lots of of 1000’s of individuals alongside the parade route Saturday, which begins at thirty ninth & King, emergency officers wish to calm any security considerations.

“We canvas areas of town that we all know which are going to be impacted by giant occasions,” mentioned Wealthy Guidice, with the Workplace of Emergency Administration & Communications.

Artwork on theMART 2022 that includes Bud Billiken parade artists

Guidice can be encouraging attendees to do their half by being conscious of their environment.

“We discuss so much about constructing a tradition of preparedness and ensuring that you’re ready to stroll in giant crowds,” he mentioned.

Organizers describe it as the most important African American parade within the nation.

Wanting again on the historical past of the Bud Billiken Parade

“I would like everybody to come back out and have a great time,” Sengstacke-Rice mentioned.

The parade is simply a part of the Bud Billiken enjoyable Saturday, with the setup is underway in Washington Park for a pageant.

Attendees will obtain free back-to-school provides, haircuts and hair braiding. There can even be a number of firms and organizations with cubicles.

“It is extremely vital. That is the primary time Kellogg’s has been collaborating on this Bud Billiken parade and it is good for us to remark with all communities wherein we serve,” mentioned Roger Corbin with Kellogg’s.

Bud Billiken is only one of some 80 weekend occasions, which embody the Bears’ preseason opener at Soldier Area and and neighborhood festivals, like Retro on Roscoe and the return of Little Italy Festa.

“That is the essence of what the previous Italian block events was. Everyone used to come back out of their properties with their very own meals, share it with their neighbors,” mentioned Little Italy Festa. organizer, Ron Onesti.