Linda and Terry Johnson grew up in Robbins and return every year for an annual tradition signaling the end of summer and the start of a new school year.
For them, Robbins’ Annual Back to School Festival and Parade is a chance to reconnect with old friends and barbecue with family, said Linda Johnson, 59, of Flossmoor.
“It’s like a Robbins reunion,” Linda Johnson said. “We get to see all the people we grew up with, went to school with.”
Linda Johnson said the parade holds a special place in the community, because it highlights the local leaders and groups trying to good works in the area, as well as providing free entertainment.
“And the candy,” shouted her grandson, 10-year-old Yaasiel Johnson, of Flossmoor.
“Yeah, the kids like the candy,” Linda Johnson agreed.
This year marked the 18th annual festival and parade, which stretches over the Labor Day weekend, Sept. 2, 3 and 4 at 138th and Trumbull.
A “backyard party” was held for adults Friday night, and Saturday afternoon festivities included games, rides and inflatables for free, with live entertainment that evening.
A gospel concert followed the two-hour parade through Robbins.
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Hundreds of people lined the streets as emergency vehicles, limos, motorcycles and floats slowly rolled by.
Charlotte James, 59, has lived in Robbins since she was a little girl, and has never missed the Labor Day parade.
“It a way to let us know it’s time to start back to work, the end of summer,” James said.
Like most summer parades ahead of a November election, the parade drew many local, county and state politicians looking for exposure. But it wasn’t only elected officials looking to connect to the community.
Alita Henry, 49, said she and children from the Robbins Community Help Agency rode a float to foster that neighborly spirit, which fits with the agency’s mission of providing aid programs for children and adults.
“This is how we’re letting the people know what we’re offering out here,” Henry said. “This is how we hold the connection thread to the people of the community.”
Nick Swedberg is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.