The 97th annual Bud Billiken Parade is set to take place this Saturday in Bronzeville, with over 500,000 spectators expected to attend. The parade will feature nearly 300 participants, including the AstronautFlee Dance Company and the King College Prep Marching Band.
Local Performers Prepare for the Big Day
AstronautFlee Dance Company has been practicing for weeks, with dancers ranging in age from 5 to 25. The company’s founder, Doncell ‘Chum’ Richard, has been preparing his team for their seventh appearance in the parade. ‘People may perceive us as being a cocky team, but I preach humbleness to them. No egos, no big heads, no big ‘I’s, no little ‘yous’ because that will destroy what we build,’ said Richard.
The King College Prep Marching Band is also getting ready for the parade, with band director Benjamin Washington keeping a watchful eye on his students as they go over their moves. Washington has led the program since 2001 and emphasizes the importance of civic leadership and community engagement.
The parade will kick off at 10 a.m. from the intersection of 39th Street and South King Drive and will march south through Bronzeville before finishing at Washington Park. A post-parade family festival will take place at Washington Park, featuring live entertainment, school supplies, and more.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
