AustinTalks (http://austintalks.org/tag/parade/)
West Side residents are invited to two Christmas tree lightings on Dec. 1. The first will take place after the Austin parade, which starts at 5 p.m. at the 15th Police District. The other tree lighting – sponsored by Austin Coming Together and the 600 block of Lorel Block Club, will take place from 6 to 8 p.m.
The Austin Chamber of Commerce’s 18th annual community Christmas tree lighting and parade will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2. The holiday parade will start at 5 p.m. at the corner of Madison Street and Laramie Avenue and end at the 15th Police District, 5701 W. Madison Ave., where the tree lighting will be held at 6 p.m.
Also Friday night, there will be a “Christmas around the world” event held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the 600 Block of Lorel Community Gardens. The event, which will include free refreshments, is sponsored by the 600 Block of Lorel Book Club and Austin Coming Together.
Dr. Arthur Lockhart’s 34th annual parade and resource fair will kick off at 10 a.m. July 30 at Healing Temple C.O.G.I.C., 4941 W. Chicago Ave. There will be free school supplies, book bags, free lunch, entertainment and more.
Don’t miss the largest back-to-school community event on the West Side. It takes place from 12 to 5 p.m. Aug. 13 at Michele Clark Academic Prep Magnet High School, 5101 W. Harrison St.
Illinois Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford will host her 11th annual back-to-school parade Sunday, Aug. 9 at Brookfield Zoo. There will be free snacks, school supplies, backpacks and more at the drive-thru event, which will take place at the south entrance lot near the high school from 12 to 2 p.m.
Registration for the free event begins at 8 a.m. July 27, with the kickoff at 9 a.m. Gather at 4941 W. Chicago Ave.
Congressman Danny Davis’ annual event begins Aug. 18 with a parade step off at 10 a.m. at Bloomingdale and Central avenues, followed by a picnic at 1 p.m. at Columbus Park.
The West Side Historical Society – in partnership with Ald. Jason Ervin, AustinTalks and other partners – will host this year’s Juneteenth festival and parade for peace June 22-24 in Garfield Park. Vendors are invited to contact organizers; VIP passes are also available.
Celebrate the spirit of unity Dec. 15. The kickoff begins at 5 pm. at Unity Fellowship Church at Cicero and Madison, followed by the tree lighting at 6 p.m. in front of the 15th District Police station, 5701 W. Madison.
Dr. Arthur Lockhart will hold the 29th annual event July 29 at Healing Temple C.O.G.I.C., 4941 W. Chicago Ave. Registration begins at 8 a.m., and the kickoff is at 9 a.m.