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Tuesday, March 19

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Blackhawks Wed Jun 26 2013

Blackhawks Plan Parade For Friday

Thumbnail image for GB blackhawks icon.png After winning its second Stanley Cup in four seasons, the Hawks have been on a city-wide tour from The Scout Bar in the South Loop to Rockit Bar with a shower of bubbly to boot. There's no telling where Lord Stanley will pop-up next, with maybe the exception of Patrick Kane's appearance on "Late Show With David Letterman" tonight, but what has been confirmed locally is the parade this coming Friday.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel made it official yesterday by stating the city would host a celebration for the Hawks on Friday, June 28, that would be like a "'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' for the entire city."

The announcement confirmed the parade would start at the United Center and make its way to Hutchinson Field in Grant Park for a rally set to begin at 11:00 am. It's being reported the route of the parade from the United Center would begin at Washington and Des Plaines at 10:30 am and head over to the park from there. The official route will be announced Thursday.

If Hutchinson Field in Grant Park sounds like a familiar location, it's because back in 2008, President elect Barack Obama held his victory speech on the same grounds. It's also the same location as the annual summer-concert event Lollapalooza.

A few items to note for those looking to attend the celebration:

  • No liquor or backpacks/bags will be permitted at the rally. Security surely will be stepped up for this one, especially since the Miami Heat recently banned all bags at its recent parade. An estimated two million people attended the 2010 parade; you can be sure that number will be matched or even surpassed.
  • It's going to be warm, but not as hot as 2010. According to our good buddy Tom Skilling and his forecast, Friday's high is expected to be 82 degrees, with clear skies all day. Be sure to wear Sunscreen to fight the rays.

There are a few establishments nearby on Madison at which to enjoy watching Kaner, Tazer and the boys make their now-familiar trek on double-decker buses.

  • If you're far enough west, the Billy Goat Inn at 1535 West Madison makes a nice start for the trip. Grab a Cheez-borger -- actually, a breakfast sandwich (they're very good) -- and a Bloody Mary and you'll think you've just worked the over night desk at the old Daily News.
  • If you'd like to grab a nice breakfast and then stick around to watch the parade, the Palace Grill at 1408 West Madison is choice for Blackhawks' nostalgia and a great Denver Omelette.
  • Johnny's Icehouse East at 1350 West Madison is open at 9:00 am and will give you the feeling that you're heading to practice before a hockey game. They'll also show games on their monitors, including a certain Game 6 from the other night.

Establishments aside, and there are many, many other quality spots from which to choose, simply getting position along the side of the street will get you close enough to the action. Odds are, however, the lines will be deeper than Barleycorn's on St. Patrick's Day.

If you happen to work along this assumed route, simply gazing out your window at the glimmer of the Cup and shower of ticker tape is impressive in itself. With the sun looking to shine that day, make sure to use proper camera equipment, as glare off the windows might be an issue.

Either way, as long as everyone is sure to drink plenty of water and dress somewhat lightly, we can avoid any unnecessary 9-1-1 calls. Oh yeah, and as long as everyone doesn't act like the gaggle of dorks who rushed barricades in Wrigleyville Monday night, we can avoid looking like we've never been here before.

 
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