The East Side Neighborhood Revives Labor Day Parade
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Thousands of people lined the streets Saturday afternoon at the East Side neighborhood's Labor Day Parade.
The parade has been revitalized, stepping off at 104th and Ewing, to celebrate union workers, WBBM's Mike Krauser reports.
10th Ward Alderwoman Susan Sadlowski-Garza orchestrated the return of the parade, along with 35 unions, representing teachers, iron-workers, brick-layers and others.
"Hey we need to be proud of what our job is," Sadlowski-Garza said. "Regardless if you are a teacher, an iron worker or a streets and sanitation guy, you deserve to celebrate your work. That is why we are reviving this."
Some said they were happy to be the focal point of a celebration. Others said organized labor is under attack.
As a giant inflatable rat named "Scabby" made his way along the parade route. The rat's handler, with the brick-layer's union, said they were doing a little outreach.
Mark Tetlak said a lot of people see the rat around the Chicago area, but many don't know that when he's been inflated at a job site, its because there's a labor dispute.
After the parade, many were heading to Steel Worker's Park, at 87th and the lake, for a Friends of Labor Festival, featuring live bands, DJs and family activities.
The festival runs through Sunday night.