Rain-Soaked Pumpkin Parade Marches Down Archer Avenue in Garfield Ridge

Umbrellas were out in force, as the annual Pumpkin Jamboree parade, sponsored by U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-3rd), stepped off on Saturday morning, October 31 to march east from Archer and Nordica, ending at Wentworth Park. The steady rain, plus unseasonably cold temperatures, kept curbside attendance way down, from the usual thousand-plus to the low hundreds.

The rain did not dampen the spirits of many in attendance, most notably the congressman and his wife, Judy, who as usual walked the route, bringing good cheer and candy to children at the curb.

At least two high school bands chose to stay on their buses, rather than march. The Mark Twain Elementary School Band, without a bus, marched and even played, much to the delight of the smattering of moms, dads and children at the curb.

Others marching included members of the Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch (who will be on patrol throughout the night, into the wee hours Sunday, November 1), local schools, Scout troops and everything that makes Garfield Ridge one of the best neighborhoods in Chicago. 

Here are a handful of photos, in the order we shot them.

Thanks to all who came out!

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