Warm weather and sunny skies brought cheery spirits to the multitude of infants to senior citizens who lined more than a one mile stretch of King Drive - in the street, on porches, balconies and rooftops - as the smell of charcoal filled the air and they anticipated the start of the 77th Annual Chicago Defender Bud Billiken Day Parade and Picnic.
To many, the parade marks the end of summer vacation for Chicago's school-aged kids as it tries to give them a boost to start a new school year.
"It's a great day for the city of Chicago. This is about the future of the children as we celebrate getting them back in school," state Senate President Emil Jones (D-14th) told the Defender.
The parade started in 1929 as a way for Chicago Defender founder Robert S. Abbott to reward African American youth who delivered and sold the newspaper. Named after a mythical character that protects children, the event has become the largest African American parade in the country and quickly became a prominent Chicago event that always attracts big names.
Newly-appointed state Rep. Elga Jefferies (D-26th) said, "This is my district and I've lived here my entire life. I won a bike from the Defender when I sold papers to make money to assist my family. I never miss the parade."
Mickey and Minnie Mouse were on hand to kick off the festivities at 10 a.m. at Oakwood Boulevard and King Drive as the parade crawled down King Drive and ended at 55th Street in Washington Park.
"It's the finale of the summer. It's a rally behind one thing - education," said area resident Azurea Jackson, who has watched the parade from her porch for more than 50 years.
U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), followed by his family, served as grand marshal of the parade.
"I've been participating in this parade for years," Obama told the Defender.
As he headed down the parade route, a group of young girls shouted to him, "Can you be our president? We love you." Obama smiled and waved in response.
A parade observer said, "I love to see the beautiful costumes and the great bands."
Starting the entertainment portion of the parade was the Julian High School Jaguar Marching Band. The band's drum major led the band, dressed in all-white from head-to-toe, including his baton, and wowed the crowd with his dancing as he proceeded down the path.
The parade offered something for all ages. Infants and toddlers were excited to see their favorite television characters come to life. Clifford the Big Red Dog, Elmo, Scooby Doo and SpongeBob SquarePants eased down King Drive surprising the youngsters.
One mother, holding her baby, ran into the parade procession so the baby could get a closer look (and touch) at Elmo.
With the warm weather and physical entertainment, Provident Hospital and the Chicago Fire Department had first aid stations set up along the route in case any performers or parade watchers needed medical attention.
"We're here serving the community. It's a collaborative effort," said Camille Farris, a Provident Hospital physician.
Cheerleaders, dance groups and marching bands from all over the city dazzled the crowd with their performances.
The always crowd-pleasing Jesse White Tumblers kept the watchers in awe as they performed their daring stunts.
Another crowd-pleaser was the South Shore Drill Team. "They're so good, nobody can beat them," said a young girl watching from the sidelines.
Ald. Todd Stronger (8th) told the Defender he likes coming to the parade because of the people.
"I love how the people are so excited. A lot of participation goes into the parade," he said.
As the Armed Forces went by, many in the crowd cheered, clapped and said, "We have to salute them, they are over in Iraq protecting us."
Gov. Rod Blagojevich, with sweat dripping down his face, jogged along the route personally greeting parade watchers.
The crowd was also treated to a mini-Mardi Gras. The Chicago Department of Human Services provided a bus filled with Hurricane Katrina survivors from New Orleans now living in Chicago. Complete with colorful costumes, the survivors waved to the crowd while handing out beads, a favorite of Mardi Gras.
Bands from Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee and Virginia traveled to march in the parade and give Chicagoans a taste of what they had to offer.
A huge highlight for the thousands of youngsters in the crowd was getting a chance to see a few of their favorite celebrities up close. R & B singer Marques Houston; rapper Young Joc; former P.Diddy personal assistant Farnsworth Bentley, twirling his signature umbrella, and actress KeKe Palmer, of Akeelah and the Bee, sang, waved and spoke to them as they went by.
When Young Joc made his way in the Washington Park entrance, the police had to keep a crowd of chasing fans from following him.
After the parade ended at 4 p.m., families lingered in Washington Park to eat and listen to music.
[Author Affiliation]
by Kathy Chaney
Defender Contributing Writer
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