Annual Christmas parade, tree lighting takes place Friday in Austin

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.

Back-to-school parade in Austin today

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.

West Siders invited to back to school parade Sunday

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.