Bloom Band Will March In Chicago's Thanksgiving Day Parade

CHICAGO HEIGHTS, IL — The Bloom Township High School District marching band will perform in the 2018 Uncle Dan's Thanksgiving Day Parade in downtown Chicago on Thursday. The band will be entry No. 71 in the parade that steps off on State Street and follows a route along the famous street from Congress to Randolph. Here's everything you'll need or want to know about the parade.

Bloom Director of Bands Michael Bielecki said the marching Trojans should be on television sometime between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. The parade will be televised on WGN beginning at 8 a.m.

"We are ecstatic about this opportunity," Bielecki said. "It's by far the largest audience the students have ever played for and we are very proud to represent Bloom Township District 206."

The Bloom band was accepted to the annual parade earlier this year. It will be their first time in the parade.

"Each year since I started in the district we have been given more and higher profile performance opportunities," Bielecki said. "The students continue to work hard, strive for excellence and take pride in their accomplishments. We've been supported every step of the way from both the school district and the community as a whole."

Bloom 206 Superintendent Lenell Navarre said the upcoming parade performance has created "an exciting time" for both the school's marching band and Chicago Heights community.

“To be a part of the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade is truly a proud moment for the Blazing Trojans and all the talented young musicians in the band," Navarre said. "I am eager to see them live and hope the Chicago Heights community joins in watching them march through Chicago.”

Photos courtesy of Mary Compton