CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Thousands made it to the Loop Thursday morning for the 88th annual Chicago Thanksgiving Parade.
Marist High School’s marching band led the way, with Chicago Heights’ Bloom Township High School, Lake Zurich High School, and Kankakee High School represented among the other 19 marching bands involved in the parade — some of whom traveled from Indiana, Ohio, and Georgia.
Festive and extravagant floats and character balloons — including Felix the Cat, Fred Flintstone, Scooby Doo, and Hello Kitty — separated the bands, though they weren’t the only performers from Thursday’s parade.
Bagpipes, as well as the Chicago Korean Dance Company, Crystal Lake Strikers Drumline and Ballet Folklorico Sones Mexicanos all provided entertainment to those who set up along State Street.
For many of those spectators hanging out on the sidewalk as the hundreds of groups passed by, it was just the beginning of a long day with family and friends.
“We’re going to Harry Potter, we’re going to the Lion King, we’re going to the [Christkindl] Market,” said one attendee.
A woman in town from Dayton, Ohio, whose daughter performed with the University of Dayton Marching Band, though, said her immediate plans involved a nap.
“After the nap, I’m taking a dinner cruise for Thanksgiving dinner,” she said.
She wasn't along. Whether they were dining out, ordering in, or cooking at home, Chicagoans and tourists were getting their turkey any way they could.
The 1st Infantry Division of the U.S. Army, Miss Illinois 2022, and Santa Claus were among the Thanksgiving Parade’s honored guests.
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