Chicago Thanksgiving Parade Brings ‘the World to State Street’ for the 90th Year
A Global Celebration
Thousands of spectators clad in puffer jackets, scarves, and blankets chose to spend Thanksgiving morning lining State Street in the Loop in freezing temperatures. Over several hours, about 100 acts and performers marched from Ida B. Wells Drive to Randolph Street in a showcase of cultures from around the world.
“It’s really cool how we can bring the world to Chicago right here on State Street. That’s the awesome part about it,” Dennis Evashenk, president of the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade Foundation, said of the celebration.
A Multicultural Focus
Dubbed the second-best Thanksgiving parade by TimeOut, the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade, now in its 90th year, has more of a multicultural focus than other celebrations, like New York’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Groups, including the Unicycling Society of America, the Windy City Ghostbusters, and dancers twirling flaming batons captivated the crowd.
A Global Celebration in Action
Members of the Mobile Azalea Trail Maids from Mobile, Alabama, participate in the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade. The group is composed of 50 high school seniors who take part in community activities and mentoring.
A Family Affair
Maureen Battista from the southwest suburbs has been attending the parade yearly for two decades. She brings whoever is willing to tag along. This time her daughter Bri Battista, 31, was along for the ride, and the two huddled up prior to the start of the parade with hats, gloves, and folding chairs.
“We don’t leave until it’s done,” Maureen Battista said. “It’s not done until Santa goes by.”
A Day of Celebration
Once the parade kicked off Thursday morning, the Loop boomed with music. From several renditions of Kool & the Gang’s “Celebration,” to Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” holiday cheer helped remedy chattering teeth against winds and temperatures in the upper-20s.
Lynn Whitfield, an Emmy-award winning actress featured on the two most-recent seasons of “The Chi,” was on hand to celebrate the day in a silver convertible. Working on the show has given Whitfield an admiration for Chicago, and accepting the invitation to participate in the parade was a no-brainer, she said.
“You hear one thing in the news, but when I go to Chicago I see people who are really grounded in their tradition and in their culture,” the actress said.
Conclusion
The Chicago Thanksgiving Parade, now in its 90th year, has become a beloved tradition in the city. With its focus on multiculturalism and celebration, it brings people together to enjoy the holiday season. Whether you’re a native Chicagoan or just visiting, the parade is a must-see event.
FAQs
* When is the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade?
+ The parade takes place on Thanksgiving Day, which falls on the fourth Thursday of November every year.
* What is the focus of the parade?
+ The parade has a multicultural focus, featuring acts and performers from around the world.
* How long has the parade been running?
+ The Chicago Thanksgiving Parade is now in its 90th year.
* Can I attend the parade?
+ Yes, the parade is open to the public and takes place on State Street in the Loop.
