Celebrate 97 Years of the Bud Billiken Parade: Watch Live as ABC7 Spotlights Chicago’s Tradition with Grand Marshal LisaRaye McCoy

CHICAGO (WLS) — Excitement is in the air as ABC7/WLS-TV Chicago breaks the news that it will air the 97th annual Bud Billiken Parade. This vibrant event, which heralds the Back-to-School Festival, is set to be broadcast live on Saturday, August 8, from 10 a.m. to noon. The spectacle, recognized as the largest African American parade in the United States, will stream not only on ABC7 but also on abc7chicago.com and across all ABC7’s digital and streaming platforms.

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The broadcast booth will be bustling with energy as ABC7 Eyewitness News icons Cheryl Burton, Hosea Sanders, and Val Warner take the helm. Meanwhile, Terrell Brown and Karen Jordan will immerse viewers in the ground-level excitement, capturing the parade’s lively spirit. Samantha Chatman and other dedicated ABC7 staff will engage with the crowd from atop the ABC7 Chicago float, adding to the festive atmosphere.

This year’s Bud Billiken Parade is a proud celebration of 97 years of tradition and excellence. As a back-to-school highlight, it will showcase impressive talents from across Chicago. Parade-goers can expect thrilling performances by local favorites such as the Jesse White Tumblers, South Shore Drill Team, Golden Knights Drill Team, alongside the dynamic Chi-Town Cheerleaders, Next Level Dance Team, MBM Dance Team, and the inspiring Little Ladies of Virtue.

This year’s parade will be led by none other than beloved Chicago native, LisaRaye McCoy, who will serve as the Grand Marshal. Known for her iconic roles in “The Players Club” and “Single Ladies,” as well as her stint as the first lady of the Turks and Caicos, McCoy adds star power and charisma to this cherished event.

The Bud Billiken Parade is not just an event; it’s a cherished tradition attracting over a million spectators. As the oldest and grandest African American parade nationwide, it embodies a spirit of community and celebration. Each August, it draws families together, marking the joyous start of a new school year in Chicago.

“We are proud to be a part of this 97-year tradition, which has brought joy, inspiration and summer fun to generations of Chicagoans,” said John Idler, general manager, ABC7/WLS-TV Chicago. “Our long-standing partnership with Chicago Defender Charities also allows us to spotlight the importance of education and student empowerment, which is central to the organization’s mission.”

The parade will kick off at 10 a.m. on 39th Street and Martin Luther King Drive, with grand marshal McCoy leading the procession south onto King Drive, through Washington Park and concluding at Garfield Boulevard.

About ABC7/WLS-TV Chicago

ABC7/WLS-TV Chicago is the No. 1 local news source and most-watched television station in Chicago. With top-rated daily newscasts spanning decades and the largest social media presence in the market with more than 3.5 million Facebook followers, ABC7 Eyewitness News provides breaking news, investigative reporting, weather, politics, traffic and sports in the multiplatform space toChicago, the suburbs and northwest Indiana. NamedBest News Operationby the Associated Press, ABC 7 Eyewitness News produces “Chicago Proud,” a series of features that spotlights everyday heroes in and around Chicago.The station also produces the highest-rated New Year’s Eve special in Chicago,the nationally syndicated holiday kickoff special, “The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival,” and the award-winning series “Our Chicago,” which showcases the city’s diversityand highlights contributions in the Black, Hispanic, Asian,LGBTQ+ communities, among others.Every Friday, Windy City Weekend entertains while giving Chicagoans everything they need to know about what’s happening in the city. ABC 7 is the only Chicago station producing and broadcasting parades representing Chicago’s rich cultural history. The station has a long and proud tradition of broadcasting political candidate debates to keep Chicago’selectorate informed and town halls where residents can share their concerns.ABC7’s outreach efforts include an annual partnership with local food banks, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars. ABC7 also partners with the Red Cross for the Great Chicago Blood Drive, one of the largest, one-day blood drives in the country.

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