WOOGMS Labor Day Parade Returning For 60th Year: ‘Everybody Marches, Nobody [Just] Watches’

LAKEVIEW — The annual WOOGMS Labor Day Parade returns for its 60th year Monday.

The Wellington Oakdale Old Glory Marching Society marchers will step off at 11 a.m. Monday from the corner of Pine Grove and Wellington avenues, continuing the Lakeview tradition of a DIY parade that invites residents from across Chicago to participate.

The WOOGMS parade started in 1963 when the late Al Weisman marched around his block with his son, a few friends and an American flag, according to WOOGMS. Weisman started the tradition to create a fun, patriotic event for his community, and it’s grown into a loosely organized troupe of hundreds of Chicago residents.

All are welcome to march in the parade, which boasts the motto, “Everybody marches, nobody (just) watches,” according to WOOGMS. Marchers are encouraged to bring pets, scooters and strollers.

The Jesse White tumblers will perform at the parade, according to WOOGMS.

More information can be found on the WOOGMS Facebook page.

Subscribe to Block Club Chicago, an independent, 501(c)(3), journalist-run newsroom. Every dime we make funds reporting from Chicago’s neighborhoods.

Click here to support Block Club with a tax-deductible donation. 

Thanks for subscribing to Block Club Chicago, an independent, 501(c)(3), journalist-run newsroom. Every dime we make funds reporting from Chicago’s neighborhoods. Click here to support Block Club with a tax-deductible donation.

Watch our “On The Block” TV show on The U, CW26 and MeTV.

Listen to “It’s All Good: A Block Club Chicago Podcast”: