PCS float stands out at Thanksgiving Parade

CHICAGO, IL — The Punjabi Cultural Society (PCS) of Chicago kept up its tradition of participating in the McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade held on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, on State Street in the heart of downtown Chicago. 

McDonald’s® Thanksgiving Parade is the biggest parade in Chicago and the city’s premier holiday event.

About 5,000 performers, with floats, balloons and marching bands, traveled north from Congress to Randolph for three hours, starting at 8 am.

The theme of the PCS float and its contingent was an Indian Maharaja wedding procession (Baraat), which included the bride and the groom in traditional Punjabi wedding outfits, the baraatis in festive ethnic costumes, Punjabi Dhol (drum), amplified Bhangra music and dancing on the street interacting with spectators, all in the spirit of celebration,” said Rajinder Singh Mago, PCS Board of Governors and coordinator of the PCS participation in the parade.

The highlights included Chicago rapper Twista, Miss Illinois 2017 Abby Foster, critically acclaimed chef Graham Elliot, the Blackhawks mascot Tommy Hawk, the Harlem Globetrotters and a very special visitor from the North Pole, the star of the show Santa, who shared words of wisdom about how to be on the nice list.

For a mile stretch down State Street, from Congress to Randolph, spectators awed at the parade, which included 36 specialty units, 18 marching bands, giant popular inflatable balloons, decorated floats, 16 spectacular stage performances, and more horses than you could ask for.

"PCS has been participating in this parade since 2005. It gives our community great exposure in the mainstream, and it shows our commitment to celebrate the American festivals, in solidarity with the American people," said PCS president Sukhmel Singh Atwal.

PCS is an all volunteer organization promoting education, good citizenship, community development, civic commitment and involvement, and preserving Punjabi culture, language, sports and performing arts among its community members and also mainstream Americans in the Midwest and beyond.