CHICAGO (WLS) — The Chicago Thanksgiving Parade marched through the Loop on Thursday. Thousands of spectators were dazzled by all the performances to get them in the holiday spirit.
Meanwhile, other holiday events were also held across the city and suburbs.
“It’s a cold one, but I’m here and I’m having a good time,” attendee Danielle Hill said.
It was one magnificent performance after the other as different musical and cultural acts danced down State Street for the annual Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade.
“I was born and raised in Chicago, never been to a Thanksgiving Day Parade. Watched on TV for many years, but I’m here now,” attendee Janet Hill said.
Groups from all across the country and world performed this year. Festive floating balloons, like Teddy the Turkey, were a hit and marching bands stunned spectators.
“Came here to celebrate Thanksgiving and because we don’t have school, we just came here to watch the Thanksgiving Parade,” attendee Jon Cabading said.
“This year we have two bands joining us from Mexico, which is a huge deal,” parade spokesperson Ashley Berry said. “We also have groups that are from Missouri and Kansas, and then fun groups from right here in Chicago, to showcase all the great cultural organizations that exist.”
The acts included some high school seniors from the Mobile Alabama Azalea Trail Maids.
“I love big cities and so being here in our dresses and we get to bring from our hometown to this big city Chicago,” said Ashton Sprinkle with the Mobile Azalea Trail Maids. “It’s been really amazing so far.”
Some ladies came all the way from Louisiana to visit the Windy City.
“It’s Thanksgiving. We always go where the sunshine is so we came to winter,” Amanda Washington and Brittany Bryant said.
Carie Bachman’s son took center stage, performing with the Lake Zurich marching band.
“So we moved Thanksgiving to tomorrow, we’re gonna go home and sleep and tomorrow we’ll have Thanksgiving with everybody,” Bachman said.
Having started over 90 years ago, the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade has become one of the country’s most cherished holiday celebrations, showcasing traditions that reflect the heart of Chicago.
“And so right here on state, in the heart of the city, we feel like this is where we should gratitude for all the things that make it a wonderful place to live and we’re here. We’re grateful hearts gather,” Berry said.
The Chicago Police Department is monitoring events all throughout the city Thursday to keep everyone celebrating safely this holiday.
Communities host Thanksgiving meal giveaways
About 250 meals were handed out at Sanders BBQ in Beverly. It was one of many giveaways that happened across the area Thursday as communities came together to give back on the holiday.
Chicagoans were helping each other, making sure everyone had a hot fresh meal on Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving meal giveaways were held across the Chicago area Thursday as communities came together to give back on the holiday.
Sanders BBQ just opened in Beverly about a year ago, and on Thursday they connected with the community, feeding more than 200 people.
“My partner and I know about the food insecurities going on in our country, and I just feel there shouldn’t be anyone hungry at this time or any other time, so we just wanted to make a special meal for people,” Sanders BBQ owner James Sanders said.
Sanders says the meals were packed with roasted ham, turkey, stuffing and all the necessities that one should enjoy on Thanksgiving.
“It’s amazing,” Beverly resident Venita Banks said. “Such a blessing especially today on Thanksgiving. I was just surprised.”
People who came by the restaurant said they’re filled with gratitude.
“Always wanted to try the food here so this is a great time to try it,” a Harvey resident named Allen said.
Organizations across Chicago are also pitching in to help those in need.
Catholic Charities hosted its annual thanksgiving lunch, serving about 300 people in River North with a feast.
Salvation Army also got in on the generosity, serving Thanksgiving meals to more than 4,000 people across the community.
About 2,500 meals were serviced on site at the Freedom Center, while another 1,200 meals are delivered across the city.
All of the events in Chicago are giving people plenty to be thankful for as some people say it’s the little things that matter most on this holiday.
“I’m just thankful to the most high creator of heaven and earth for life, and I just hope and pray things will be better here in the world we live in,” Southwest Side resident Grace Moore said.
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“I’m thankful for family, customers, my [Sanders BBQ] staff to come in on a day off where they don’t have to be here,” Sanders said. “They volunteered to work here and I’m just thankful for that.”
The Sanders BBQ owner says they did some giveaways downtown as well.
Everyone ABC7 talked to was very thankful for family and this sense of community
Navy recruits honored with special meals
For active duty service members, the holidays can be especially tough.
Local VFW posts and American Legions came together Thursday to provide them with a warm meal for Thanksgiving.
Local VFW posts and American Legions came together Thursday to provide Navy recruits with a warm meal for Thanksgiving.
“On a big holiday, yea it’s my first time being away,” Navy recruit Guanuchi Gonzalez said. “It’s a very big blessing to be chosen to come off base allowing us to come and celebrate, and it’s like a family.”
Gonzalez is one of 35 Navy recruits who were welcomed by elected leaders, community members and veterans in Mount Prospect. The recruits were given a Thanksgiving meal with all the fixings.
“It’s nice to be backed up by my full division, because it’s not just only me who is away from family, it’s all of us,” Navy recruit Suquilanda Santos said. “And we have to come together and be thankful for everything we have gone through.”
“So it’s nice to provide them with a family atmosphere, you know some laughter and music, fun, and camaraderie and we’re kind of like become their extended family,” VFW Post 1337 Commander Laura Matuszak said.
A similar celebration also took place in Arlington Heights. Community members and veterans also welcomed an all-female class of recruits from the Naval Station Great Lakes.
The recruits were given phones to call their families for the holiday. This was the first time they’ve connected with loved ones since starting training. The calls brought some of them to tears.
“When you’re in basic training, it’s no cellphones, no iPhones, no computers,” said Casey Gachara with VFW Post 1337. “A lot of times the only times I would just say commitment with your family is really a letter. And then sometimes you’re not up to writing a letter. And then sometimes you’re not up to writing a letter, you’re tired.”
As for what’s next for the Navy recruits, they will be wrapping up their training and graduating in six days. Some of them will be heading to Japan next.
Annual Turkey Bowl held on South Side
A century-old football ritual is as sacred as the turkey on the table for a circle of friends, a group that spans across at least six generations.
“When I was five, my dad brought me out here, and we’ve had a lot of fun ever since,” said Michael Clay, who has been playing since he was 5 years old.
The Turkey Bowl football competition has been played by the descendants of Boy Scout Troop 520 on Thanksgiving for 100 years.
It is a time-honored Thanksgiving tradition that takes place before dinner is on the table.
“The game is fun, the camaraderie is awesome, and the tradition bled into our hearts,” said George Shomod, who has been playing since the 1960s.
The Turkey Bowl has been played by the descendants of Boy Scout Troop 520 on Thanksgiving for 100 years. For the past few decades, they have played at the Dan Ryan Woods off 87th and Western.
“Ted Katzman charted a troop when he was only 20 and on Thanksgiving Day 1925,” said Gordon Hanson, who has played since he was 15 years old. “He used his father’s furniture truck to take the whole troop here… that was the first game and they played tackle football without equipment.”
The first game was played outside Southfield Methodist Church in the South Shore Neighborhood. Hanson’s father played in the original game.
“I really don’t know how to do without it,” Hanson said. “I can’t imagine Thanksgiving without this.”
Here’s what’s unique about this Thanksgiving tradition: No one organizes it, and no invites are sent out. That’s how it’s been for 100 years.
“There’s been so many great athletes, just great people,” Clay said. “And no matter who you are, you’re family here.”
And every year, people still show up
“We hope to keep tradition,” Clay said. “That’s what it’s about. Tradition’s big in our family. It’s big everywhere, and we’re gonna keep this for another 100 years.”
At the end of every game, the group meets at local bar and restaurant to share a toast and small bite to eat before the big Thanksgiving dinner.
La Rabida Thanksgiving meals
A 65-year long Thanksgiving tradition continued at La Rabida Children’s Hospital on Thursday
The hospital’s top Chef and her team prepared a home-cooked dinner for patients and families to pick up on Thanksgiving.
Several members of ABC7’s staff volunteered as well.
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