Kids Line Archer to See Pumpkin Parade

The annual Pumpkin Parade along Archer Avenue stepped off at 11:00 a.m. today.

Cloudy but warm, just about the best weather at the parade in years.

Hundreds of boys and girls in costume lined the parade route---along with moms, dads, grandmas, grandpas, aunts and uncles.

Thanks once again to the parade's sponsors, U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-3rd), 23rd Ward Alderman Michael R. Zalewski and others.

At the end of the parade, in Wentworth Park, the congressman and others hosted a celebration that included free treats, entertainment and more.

A tip of our cap, as well, to those police officers who, seeing candy that was thrown from parade units but which landed too close to the parade to be picked up safely by kids at the curbs--picked up the candy themselves and handed it to boys and girls at the curbs.

We hope to post Southwest Chicago Post video on Sunday. In the meantime, here are a few photos of the parade units as well as the real stars of the show: the children themselves! (Along with moms, dads, grandmas, grandpas, and even a couple of dogs and mascots.)

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