Chicago City Wire

The city of Chicago is gearing up for a bustling Thanksgiving weekend, starting with the annual Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 28. The parade will commence at 8 a.m. on State Street and conclude at 11 a.m., featuring over 80 units, including giant helium balloons, floats, marching bands, equestrian units, celebrities, animals, and performance groups. It will begin at Ida B. Wells Drive and proceed north to Randolph Street.

Residents can anticipate street closures from Roosevelt Road to Wacker Drive and Wells Street to Michigan Avenue between 5 a.m. and 2 p.m., along with parking restrictions in the area. Public transportation is recommended for those attending the parade.

The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) advises caution during this busy holiday period due to expected crowds across various city events such as Millennium Park's Christmas Tree lighting, Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza, and Black Friday shopping on November 29. OEMC urges travelers to exercise care as airports and roadways are anticipated to be busy.

OEMC will coordinate safety resources with local departments and monitor weather conditions through the National Weather Service from their Operations Center. They encourage residents to report suspicious activities by calling 9-1-1.

Additional events include the Turkey Trot Chicago run/walk in Lincoln Park starting at 9 a.m., Edison Park Turkey Trot beginning at 8:30 a.m., Northwestern versus Illinois football game at Wrigley Field on November 30 at 11 a.m., Grant Park Turkey Trot on December 1 at 9 a.m., and the Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade also on December 1 beginning at 9:30 a.m.

The Winter Overnight Parking Ban takes effect from December 1 through April 1 to facilitate snow removal by city crews. The ban impacts approximately 107 miles of streets daily from 3:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.

Traffic Control Aides will assist in managing traffic flow during these events, while public transportation remains highly recommended for attendees seeking information about services or reroutes via TransitChicago.com or by contacting CTA customer service.

For safety updates during the holidays, residents are encouraged to download the Chicago OEMC App which offers preparedness tips, emergency alerts, weather information, and more.

Residents should stay informed about weather conditions through local media or apps as advised by OEMC officials who will issue necessary alerts regarding any emergencies or severe weather situations. Sign-ups for NotifyChicago alerts are available online for real-time updates.

For further details on emergency preparedness or event-specific information, visit the OEMC website or follow them on social media platforms like Facebook (@coemc), Twitter (@ChicagoOEMC), and Instagram (chicago_oemc_911).