The Columbus Day Parade marks its 70^th Anniversary this year with the annual parade including floats, bands and marchers in the downtown Chicago area. The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) reminds the public of the street closures, additional crowds and increased traffic on State Street from Wacker Drive to Van Buren and vicinity. As always, OEMC stresses the importance of always being aware of your surroundings and to report suspicious activity to on-site event security or by calling 9-1-1. 

Report Suspicious Activity:  If you See Something Say Something. If you notice something suspicious, notify onsite security or call 9-1-1. If You See Something, Say Something™ is a national anti-terrorism public awareness campaign that emphasizes the importance of reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities.  

Citywide deployments for the weekend are planned in order to ensure the safety and security of the public.  The OEMC will monitor events and weather conditions citywide from the Operations Center and coordinate public safety resources as needed. Traffic Control Aides (TCAs) will be on hand to direct traffic flow and impacts.  

Columbus Day Parade 

Monday, October 10, Step-off at 1 p.m., Assembly at 9 a.m. 

Assembly: Upper Wacker Drive from Wabash Avenue to Franklin Street, State Street from Kinzie to Wacker Drive 

Parade Route: Proceeds on State Street from Wacker Drive to Van Buren Street 

Disbanding area:  Van Buren & Congress 

Weather and Public Safety:  OEMC will monitor events through a collaboration with public safety partners. OEMC advises Chicagoans to be aware of weather conditions and to follow instructions and heed all warnings from public safety officials. Residents are encouraged to check the weather before heading out. For the most up-to-date information, please tune into local media or download a weather app. 

OEMC issues alerts and notifications needed to keep residents and attendees up to date on weather conditions and emergencies.  

• NotifyChicago alerts, sign up at NotifyChicago.org 
• CHIBIZ: For alerts affecting businesses, TEXT “CHIBIZ” to 6-7-2-8-3 

Public Transportation: For all large events, public transportation is encouraged. Public transit is the most affordable, convenient, and environmentally friendly way to get to and from events. For more information, visit CTA at TransitChicago.com and Metra.com. 

For additional information on emergency preparedness information, visit the OEMC website at Chicago.gov/OEMC.  Follow the Office of Emergency Management and Communications on Facebook (@coemc), Twitter (@ChicagoOEMC) and Instagram (chicago_oemc_911). 

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About OEMC 

Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) oversees several functions that support public safety and provides assistance to residents 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The OEMC manages the following operational areas for the city: 9-1-1 call taking and dispatch; the 3-1-1 call center; emergency management; and traffic management. The OEMC coordinates with departments citywide, including the Chicago Police Department and Chicago Fire Department, in addition to various other local, state, and federal agencies as it relates to public safety planning and coordination for everything from large-scale special events to public safety emergencies and disasters.