The Bud Billiken® Parade and Picnic is an annual parade and picnic in Chicago, Illinois, and is the oldest and largest African-American parade in the United States. Since 1929, it has always been held the second Saturday in August. The idea for the parade came from Mr. Robert S. Abbott, the founder of the Chicago Defender. The focus of the parade is education and sounds the clarion call for "Back to School" to our children. It is currently the second largest parade in the United States. The 82d Annual Parade took place on August 13, 2011, and was televised on WLS-TV as well as nationally on WGN-TV and viewed by over 25 million viewers. In August 2012, the second Saturday falls on August 11, 2012. The focus on the parade continues to be the betterment of Chicago's youth.
Exciting information about this year's parade is coming soon!
Registration for the 2012 Bud Billiken Parade is now open! Click on the above link to begin the registration process. Please remember to read the Rules of Goverance, Float Instructions, Marching Unit Instructions, and Parade Line-Up Instructions. By completing and submitting the registration form you agree to the Rules of Goverance and all of the instructions outlined by the Chicago Defender Charities.
Address: 700 E. Oakwood Blvd,
5th Floor, Chicago IL, 60653
Office Phone: (773) 536-3710
Office Fax: (773) 536-5140
President/Chairman:
Col Eugene F. Scott, US Army – Retired
Business Manager:
Gregory F. Scott, MBA
Office Manager: Susan Turrisi-Walker
Accounting Clerk: Jewel Stokes
For event activation sponsor packages please contact Willie Wright, (312) 933-3492 and Norine Smyth, (312) 799-0354.