RE-'CAPPING' THE JOY OF LOCAL PRIDE: D99 CELEBRATES ANNUAL HOUBY FEST WITH CICERO COMMUNITY 🍄🍄‍🟫

Students, staff and families from across Cicero District 99 helped Cicero town officials and locals celebrate at yesterday's annual Houby Fest and Parade along Cermak Road — a yearly tradition which dates back over half a century!

Beginning in 1968, the Houby Festival was originally created to celebrate the Czech and Slovak heritage of residents of the Cicero/Berwyn area. Houby, which is the Czech/Slovak word for mushroom, symbolizes the annual fall harvest. 

In recent years, the reflections in the Houby Parade may have shifted from Czech and Slovak heritage to a general celebration of local pride, but the hundreds of smiling faces, marching band performances, school celebrations and other engaging performances prove that joy in the Cicero community is as strong as ever!

For District 99 students, families and staff, there's something special about walking down Cermak Road and seeing the sidewalks filled with the people who support them every day!