Austin West Side Hosts 38th Say No Parade

Communities across the region are hosting vibrant parades and fairs that blend arts, culture, and anti-violence initiatives. In Ypsilanti’s Historic South Side, the annual Stroll on August 15 features more than 50 artists across 12 houses, six live music performances, food trucks, and a kid-friendly Messtival art event at the library. Chicago’s West Side continues the 38th annual Say No to Drugs & Violence Parade, led by local leaders and a peace-run relay, with a post-parade community resource fair highlighting education, employment and youth opportunities. The Lac La Biche area kicks off Pow Wow Days with a July parade featuring ETS Pipes & Drums, Mariachi, and floats for community groups and businesses, followed by a focus on culture and local service organizations. Across these events, organizers emphasize community pride, intergenerational engagement, and practical supports for young people and residents through performances, vendor showcases, and resource fairs. In Chicago’s urban neighborhoods, the parade tradition also serves as a platform to honor community leaders and remember youths affected by violence, reinforcing a shared commitment to safer, more connected neighborhoods.