‘It was a great day,’ Bud Billiken parade makes peaceful return to South Side under extra security

Kevin Morrow, a lifelong Bronzeville resident knew just what to expect on Saturday morning. For decades, he has been a spectator at the 93rd annual Bud Billiken parade.

Knowing that he would be among thousands watching, Morrow snagged his spot at 7 a.m. on East Pershing Road.

Morrow and his family chose the same place he always has as a child and for the first time, he set up his own stand to sell snacks such as Polish hot dogs, chips, candies, and beverages.

Morrow, 55, who said he appreciates seeing parade-goers coming together in his neighborhood, noticed something different this time.

There was more police presence.

Chicago police officers and staffers from the city’s Office of Emergency Management were posted on almost every corner. Many wore smiles and interacted with jubilant parade-goers as they watched the floats, dancers, festivities and even some barbeques.

The parade had “tighter security than previous years” in a joint effort with police to beef up safety measures in the wake of the Highland Park mass shooting on the 4th of July, according to an OEMC spokesman standing along Pershing Road.

“This side here would be packed with people who knew each other from high school that grew up in Ida B. Wells or Stateway Gardens,” Morrow said. “This area was not as full as it usually is and they have it fenced off.”

Morrow described the parade as a ‘peaceful situation’ and felt comforted by the extra security.

“Sometimes people don’t think deep and when people don’t think deep, things happen,” Morrow said, who began worrying about his truck.

“I knew from growing up over here that they would make announcements to move your car,” Morrow said.

He was prepared for the moment but it never came.

“But there was a thought in my head that said, ‘what if I wasn’t who I am?” Morrow said. “What if I was somebody who wanted to do harm?”

At first, Morrow said he felt lucky, but luck grew to concern.

“Some officers stoped by to talk to us and support our business but no one questioned the truck,” Morrow said. “But nonetheless it was a great day and I am glad about that.”

Another spectator found out from a police officer she missed most of the parade, including its R & B singer, Jeremih, who was parade’s Grand Marshal, but caught the very end at about 3:15 p.m.

“I usually watch this on TV and was going to stay home again because it started raining but I’m happy I came out at least caught the tail end of it.”

tatturner@chicagotribune.com