Bud Billiken Parade 2023

We're looking for a few more "float walkers" for Saturday morning's Bud Billiken Day parade on King Drive, starting at about Oakwood Street and moving south to Washington Park on MLK Drive. We are float #62.

Last year, we got in a bit of trouble because we had TOO MANY candidates and personnel in the parade, so we haven't pushed participation as heavy this year. But we are looking for about 10 more walkers. Last year, many of the organizers were not happy that there were Republicans "invading their (Democrats) space" but the crowd along the parade route was very receptive!

The August, 2022 event was really fun and we met and conversed with a LOT of wonderful Chicagoans behind the scenes, as we waited to enter the parade route.

We're putting any children (smiling & waving) on our 28-foot float (it's huge) and we're having adults walk along the side (smiling & waving). 

We will have refreshments and water before the parade and lots of water during the parade, as well.

We're meeting at 10am and we'll be gathering around 700 E Oakwood Blvd (at Langley), which is the Jacob Carruthers Center of Northeastern Illinois University extension campus. You will need to park on Pershing or S. Cottage Grove or on Langley and walk a few blocks into the staging area.

Look for float #62, the Chicago Republican Party float (lots of American flags). 9th Ward GOP Committeeman Wayland Johnson is our contact for the day (773) 416-1503.

If you think you can make it on Saturday morning (wear comfortable walking shoes, something patriotic and check the weather, as well) please RSVP so we can send additional information on Friday night.