High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! The Bud Billiken Parade and Picnic is an annual parade in Chicago, Illinois, and the oldest and largest African American parade in the United States. Since 1929, it has always been held on the second Saturday in August. The idea for the parade came from Robert S. Abbott, the founder of the Chicago Defender. It is now the second largest annual parade in the United States. The focus of the parade is on the betterment of Chicago youth. The parade features celebrities, politicians, businessmen, civic organizations and youth. It occurs on the South Side of Chicago in Cook County, Illinois and concludes in Washington Park. National and international celebrities have attended and some have served as the parade`s Grand Marshal.