Edition: Chicago Architecture 101
Quintessential Chicago: Warm Thoughts
Author: By Rachel Brito
From foliage to football to festivals and events, Chicago is the place to be as summer temperatures wane.
CHICAGO MARATHON
The ever-so-popular LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon is back. Be there this year for its 30th-anniversary on Sunday, Oct. 7, and take in the endurance-packed action with crowds of fellow spectators throughout the city of Chicago. Whether you’re running, walking, or just watching the steady stream of participants, this is a don’t-miss event. The Chicago Marathon begins and ends at Grant Park, and covers a 26.2-mile course.
CHICAGO BEARS
It’s that time of year again: football fans are coming out of hibernation. You know who we’re talking about, the ones with all the body paint and strange hats on their noggins. Cheer on the NFC Champion Chicago Bears at Soldier Field October 14 & 28 or November 25. Watch Brian Urlacher and his hardhitting teammates plow their way through another playoff-bound season.
THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE
It may be turkey season, but don’t be afraid to take a gander at this year’s McDonald’s® Thanksgiving Parade, held Nov. 22 along historic State Street from Congress Parkway to Randolph Street. Enjoy a steady stream of top-notch floats, gigantic character balloons, marching bands, equestrian units, performance groups, and national and local celebrities. More than 1.5 million spectators watch the parade from the comfort of home, and an average of 400,000 take to the streets every year to see it in person.
PUMPKIN PARADE
All things scary are on the schedule for the 11th-annual Chicagoween. Daley Plaza morphs into “Pumpkin Plaza.” This frightening, walk-through venue hosts a haunted village, an orange fountain and plenty of pumpkins. Keep an eye out and get involved in some pumpkin painting, or take in the rounds of storytelling and performances staged regularly here Oct. 12-31. More than 250,000 paid “Pumpkin Plaza” a visit last year, according to the city of Chicago; also last year, 1,100 pumpkins were decorated and more than 200,000 pieces of candy were proffered to the professional crowds making their way through this Halloween-time attraction in the always-bustling neighborhood, the Loop. Opening night takes place October 12, 5 to 8 p.m.
