Children, teens, and adults in Halloween costumes lined Archer Avenue on Saturday, Oct. 24, as Chicago’s Garfield Ridge neighborhood held its annual Pumpkin Jamboree Parade.
The route ran along Archer from Nordica to Narragansett to Merrimac and ended at Kennedy High School.
About 45 registered participants walked this year, including local businesses, schools, nonprofits, community organizations, and elected officials, according to the Midway Chamber of Commerce. The chamber said an exact count of vehicles and floats is hard to give because some bring several vehicles or pick up extra participants on parade day.
The chamber took over the parade from former U.S. Rep. Daniel Lipiniski in 2020.
Grand Marshal of the parade was Mike and Bonnie Riordan. Each year, the Grand Marshal of the Parade is a Chamber-affiliated member, who demonstrates leadership and gives back to the Midway area.
The chamber’s own float didn’t make it. The morning of the parade, the float could not be produced in time, so chamber members walked the route instead and passed out candy.
“It’s about bringing our community together,” the chamber said, “For many families, attending the parade has become an annual tradition, and we love seeing different generations come out to celebrate along Archer Avenue.”
The event also lets Midway-area businesses, schools, nonprofits, and community organizations connect with residents, showcase what they do, and be part of something special, according to the chamber.
“As a Chamber, our mission isn’t just to support local businesses but to help strengthen the community around them. Events like this create lasting memories, encourage neighborhood pride, and remind everyone how special our Southwest Side community truly is,” the chamber said.
“This is a great community parade,” said state Sen. Mike Porfirio (D-11th). “ A lot of people come out for it. We have a great lineup, so it’s always great to be out here, see a lot of the different community groups, other elected officials, community leaders, and families. I know they all enjoy it, so it’s always great to see smiling faces and toss out some candy.”
It was the last Pumpkin Jamboree Parade, Ald. Marty Quinn (13th) walked as alderman, as he decided not seek re-election earlier this year. He walked with Porfirio, state Rep. Angie Guerrero-Cuellar, 13th Ward aldermanic candidate Al Cacciottolo, and 13th Ward families, all in matching black and orange sweatshirts.
“One of the great events that separates our neighborhood from the other 76 communities in the city.” Quinn said. “It’s fantastic, the show of community, and I just want to thank all the volunteers that put so much effort into making this a great day.”
Ald. Silvana Tabares (23rd) walked the annual parade with her ward staff in matching blue windbreakers, a banner and a flag with her logo.
She said, “It’s an annual tradition that brings the community together. I’m thanking the Midway Chamber of Commerce for always organizing and bringing residents together for a great, fun event.”
Curie High School’s marching band turned out in full force, joined by the school’s ROTC unit.
Band director Anna Kazmi, in her third year at Curie, told the Greater SouthWest News-Herald that a Curie teacher approached her last year about joining the parade.
“We haven’t done a parade in many years; at least whoever I ask, no one remembers doing one in years.” Kazmi said.
Kazmi said the students love performing at events. The band practiced heavily, she said, and student leaders worked out the marching, the songs and the drumline cadences.
The band usually plays pep-band style at football and basketball games. For the parade, it learned to march, and it kept stepping down Archer.