CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
Chicago celebrates the 79th-annual Bud Billiken Parade this weekend. It's the nation's largest and oldest African American parade.
Early reports said that President Obama would serve as grand marshal for the second time.
But the Obama administration had to send his deputy assistant Michael Strautmanis, because of the president's busy schedule this weekend. He will be here in his hometown for three fundraisers, including one at his Kenwood home.
The Bud Billiken Parade kicks off at 39th and Martin Luther King Drive Saturday at 10a.m., and will extend from 39th/Pershing to 55th Street.
Some other festivals going on in Chicago this weekend include:
- Festa Italiana in Little Italy, on Taylor between Racine and Ashland
- North Halsted Market Days in Boystown, on Halsted between Belmont and Addison
- The Ginza Holiday Festival in Old Town
- Retro on Roscoe
- Veggie Fest in Naperville
- Wood Dale Prairie Fest
Both Chicago baseball teams will play at home this weekend.
- Cubs vs Reds: Friday at 1:20 p.m., Saturday at 3:05 p.m., Sunday at 1:20 p.m.
- Sox vs Athletics: Friday at 7:10 p.m., Saturday at 6:10 p.m., Sunday at 1:10 p.m.
