As a Village of Calumet Park resident since 2013, and having previously missed the previous Annual Community Day Parades, I decided last Saturday, August 5, 2017 it was not going to happen. The signs read 9 to 11 am for the parade; therefore, I reluctantly turned over in bed and got up around 8 am, determined not to miss the event. However, when I arrived at 127^th street, I didn’t see a soul! First thought was, “Oh, are we on CP time?” (If you don’t know what CP means then ask somebody.) So I hung around a little longer, but after thirty minutes I thought, “Am I missing something everyone else knows?”

Then I remembered a message left on my cell phone from the Village, it was one I didn’t bother with. So I pulled out my phone, listened to the message, and sure enough the parade officially started at 10:00 am. So I was an hour early! I hate being too early, and not being one to sit idle for long, I decided to run an errand, thinking  I could probably catch the parade near the end of its route around 10:30 am.

 Village of Calumet Park Community Day Parade

 

Not sure if I ended up on Bishop or Throop, but I found a great spot and was happy to see Calumet Park residents out and about looking forward to enjoying the parade. We were not disappointed as several community dance troupes came through with some amazing routines. Check out this short video clip https:/www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvuPYeUJkfM

I heard great music, took picture of the participants and was surprised at how many folks participated in the parade! I love parades and this one was as good as many I’ve seen. Several bands marched in the parade, it was quite impressive.

Calumet Park: A Place to Live Work and Play

I met a resident who said she’d been living there since she was four years old. Her parents moved to the Village over 45 years ago, and she decided later as an adult to purchase her own home and raise her family. We both discussed the diversity of the community, the racial makeup when she first moved there and the current one. She spoke very positive about a growing community. Calumet Park has a few of its old residents, but what’s great are the incoming residents over the past decade. A community made up of Hispanic, Black, White, and several other ethnicities reflecting the diversity of this country.

About Calumet Park

Calumet Park is a Chicago south suburban community offering an excellent school district for its families. This small community offers Burr Oak Academy, Burr Oak Elementary, and Calumet Elementary School. While it doesn’t have its own high school, as a resident Alan B. Shepard High School, Dwight D. Eisenhower High School, and Harold L. Richards High School are potential options. This alone is very attractive to parents who are looking for good schools and options from private school tuition.  Want to learn more? Please visit the village website at, http://www.calumetparkvillage.org/

The Village of Calumet Park retains its sense of community and definitely is reminiscent of a small town feel, with several generations of families making it feel like family. Mayor Ronald Denson, of course, was out as usual during the parade, walking the course, greeting everyone, and taking photos.

People make neighborhoods special, and great people make neighborhoods great. Don’t hesitate to make or call the Village of Calumet Park home! I do!