August 9th, 2012 
Bring the family and set up a picnic for the most fun parade of the summer! The Bud Billiken Parade is devoted to getting kids excited about going back to school. The nation’s oldest African-American parade will honor Chicago’s own President Barack Obama with the theme, “Education: Built to Last.”. The grand marshal will be one of Obama’s advisers, Michael Strautmanis.
See marching bands at Bud Biliken Parade! (Photo Credit: Abel Uribe)
The parade was founded by Chicago Defender founder Robert Sengstacke Abbott in 1929. He wanted the event to be a gathering place for African-American families and children. Legend has it that Bud Bilken is a spirit that protects children, so the name of the parade has extra significance. The Chicago Defender charities have given millions of dollars in scholarships to Chicago students. While the parade is always enjoyable with the marching bands, floats and celebrity guests, the most important part of the parade is the gathering of families and celebration of education.
WHEN: Saturday, August 11 at 10 a.m.
WHERE:
Starting at Oakwood Boulevard and King Drive and ending at Washington Park
TICKETS: Free admission
