August 30, 2018) Summer is quickly drawing to a close, and the start of the new school year is right around the corner! It’s a perfect time to reinforce good school attendance and learning! “Today I ‘m spreading the word throughout the 8th Ward, and to local south side Chicago residents about a great opportunity to get outside, enjoy the late summer weather and join me for an exciting neighborhood event, on Saturday, September 8th, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm,” said 8th Ward Alderman Michelle A. Harris.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS! The Office of 8th Ward Alderman Michelle A. Harris and 33rd District State Representative Marcus C. Evans is pleased to announce the 12th Annual “8th Ward Back-to-School Parade & Jamboree” will take place Saturday, September 8, 2018. The Parade steps off starting at 10:00 a.m. in front of her service office at 8539 South Cottage Grove, and culminating at Jesse Owens Park, located at 8800 South Clyde Avenue. After the parade, the ‘Jamboree’ will take place in the park from 12noon – 2:00 p.m.
The September 8th end-of-summer parade is a high-energy, family-friendly, education-focused event not to miss! This year’s theme is “One Community-One Family & A Celebration of Education”, focusing on celebrating the dual themes highlighting the importance of education and stopping neighborhood violence through more community involvement and engagement.
“I strongly believe that every child, whatever neighborhood they live in – deserves a quality education, that’s why I’ve been committed to hosting this event each year, for the youth of Chicago’s 8th Ward,” emphasized Alderman Harris. “We must focus on educational excellence and achievement today, so these young people can successfully participate in a variety of diverse, multi-faceted career opportunities for tomorrow.”
Local high school pep bands, including the highly-popular South Shore Drill Team are scheduled to perform, and community volunteers and leaders will participate in the annual 8th Ward Back-to-School Parade & Jamboree. In the time-honored 8th Ward tradition of celebrating educational excellence and having plain old-fashioned fun for all ages, this FREE parade and festival is will feature FREE food, including White Castle® hamburgers and other refreshments, exciting games and book-bags for students (everything available on a first-come, first-served basis while they last), filled with needed school supplies, entertainment and activities, including free hair-cuts for everyone immediately following the parade at Jesse Owens Park. This is the one of the most highly anticipated parade festivals of its kind on the city’s south side. This family-friendly event is in partnership with City Year, Chicago Public Schools, and will be further supported by the Offices of the Cook County Sherriff; The Recorder of Deeds; The Water Reclamation District of Chicago; the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Continues Alderman Harris, “Today more than ever, I am committed to supporting young people in my community and throughout the city. Now I’m asking parents, family members, neighbors and other youth role-models and adult mentors to do the same. I encourage every interested resident of all ages to come out and pitch in to help us support, encourage, protect and nurture our children – – they’re the future of this great neighborhood!” she said.
“I especially want to thank all of the City of Chicago agencies, the CTA and the Chicago Park District, as well as our all of our generous parade sponsors and 8th Ward community partners – – businesses, schools, individuals and organizations who unselfishly provided tremendous support, by donating their time, resources, services, school supplies, food and other goods to make this event a great success!”
According to the Alderman: “There will be music, games – – an inflatable bouncy house and a range of activities for the entire family to enjoy! The best part – all you have to do is show up!! We will supply school supplies, materials and snacks for all participants.”
Tell a friend, and bring your family and neighbors. For more information, sponsorships or to participate, call the 8th Ward office at 773-874-3300 and speak to parade coordinators Linda Bryant or Al Rider, or send an email to: [email protected].
See you on Saturday, September 8th!!
