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One for the Road: A 1960s Chicago Christmas Parade

By Chuck Sudo in Arts & Entertainment on Dec 21, 2011 11:10PM

2011_12_21_christmas_parade.jpg Our pals over at Gapers Block posted this video earlier today, but it certainly deserves another turn and some further information.

Jim Vetresco uploaded home film footage of a Christmas parade on State Street from the 1960s. Mayor Richard J. Daley is there, as are local notables such as Ray Rayner. The parade also had Dick Clark and former Mouseketeer Annette Funicello rocking what looks like a curve-hugging Santa Helper outfit. Danny Thomas also makes an appearance.

The highlight for us has to be a coterie of creepy clowns, which oddly feels right with this parade.

annette funicellochicago christmas paradechicago historydanny thomasdick clarkrichard j. daley

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