CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — There was music, noise and only a little political campaigning at this year's Columbus Day Parade along State Street in downtown Chicago.
The Columbus Day Parade was a collage of people singing from floats, marching bands, and seemingly fewer politicians than in years past. Two Cook County-wide Republican candidates were very visible, including state's attorney hopeful Bob Fioretti.
“There's been a number of people that have come up to me, from mayors to city council peoples that have said, ‘We're going to be backing you, we're supporting you,’” he said. “And when I say city councils, I mean across the county, various suburbs that have said, ‘Hey, we're with you.’”
There were some elected officials who showed up despite not being on the ballot, including Chinatown Ald. Nicole Lee (11th) and three-term Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerics.
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas was among those who walked. She’s been known to twirl a baton at occasions like this — but not this time.
“My baton is at home,” she told WBBM. “I have stored it for warmer days.”
This year, the parade organizers paid tribute to Native Americans, and a few groups representing Indigenous people were said to participate.
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