CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - The Bud Billiken Parade will kick off from 39th and South King Drive Saturday morning.
It’s considered the second largest parade in the country.
Second only to the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, it’s now been 95 years since “The Bud” first stepped off on Chicago’s South Side.
It typically brings hundreds of thousands of spectators along the nearly three-mile route through Bronzeville.
A number of household names have participated in “The Bud” over the years: Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan, James Brown, Oprah, Barack Obama and Harry Truman, both while holding the office of U.S. president.
Actor Jason Weaver from the ShowTime drama “The Chi” will serve as the Grand Marshal this year. He’s also a singer and highly recognizable as the singing voice of Simba in the “Lion King.”
Before and after the Bud Billiken Parade, a back to school festival will be taking place in Washington Park, filled with food, entertainment, family friendly activities and resources.
According to organizers, “The Bud” is more than just a procession of bands and floats. It's a commemoration of the African American experience in Chicago and a celebration of its future, United throughout the city in music, dance, food, and laughter.
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