WOOGMS Parade returns to Chicago's North Side for Labor Day

CHICAGO - Hundreds of Lakeview residents on Monday took part in the WOOGMS parade, which was celebrating 60 years of patriotism, community, and a bit of silliness.

It's a parade with no floats, no marching bands, and no spectators --- only participants.

"The motto of the parade is 'everybody marches, nobody watches. And we want to get everybody involved and come together,'" said Mike Lufrano, Lakeview resident.

WOOGMS stands for the Wellington-Oakdale Old Glory Marching Society. It started in 1963 when a handful of neighbors marched around the block holding an American flag, and over the years, it's grown into a spectacle every Memorial Day and Labor Day that attracts as many as two thousand people.

"I think it's the sense of community. And the fact that nobody wants to let it go. It's just a pillar of Lakeview," said Liz Cohen, WOOGMS board member.

While there are no floats, there are plenty of bikes, wagons, strollers, scooters, dogs, and kids.

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The Jesse White Tumblers also took part in the fun, and the just-retired Secretary of State was in attendance as well.

"I like it. I think it's unique. Nobody's sitting on the sideline watching the parade. They're involved by putting their feet to the pavement," said Jesse White, former Illinois Secretary of State.

Some current local politicians were at the parade, too.

"I'd rather be almost anywhere but Washington. But I'd rather be here right now than anywhere. It's a friendly crowd. Patriotic and a beautiful day," said Rep. Mike Quigley.

A few years ago, the son of the founder of the parade moved out of state, and as the chief organizer, he thought that would be it for WOOGMS. But the neighbors wouldn't let it die.

"And a bunch of us were like no, no, no! We'll take it over. And so a bunch of neighborhood parents said we'll run it. We'll take it over. And we've been doing it now for about seven or eight years. And kept it going," Cohen said.

They plan to keep it going for as long as neighbors are willing to march, and not watch.