Thanksgiving Day brings more than just Turkey and good wishes.
The annual holiday also brings local businesses to a standstill as most take the day off. Same goes for city and federal offices.
But just because the stores and offices are closed doesn't mean there's nothing to do.
Beginning at 8:30 a.m. Chicago's Thanksgiving Day Parade will march up State Street from Congress Parkway to Randolph.
The traditional parade will include floats, marching bands, horses and giant balloon caricatures.
More than 1,200 volunteers will help.
If parades aren't your thing, how about a jog.
Local
Thousands of Illinois runners will earn their places at the Thanksgiving table this year with charity races and fun runs.
Several of the so-called Turkey Trots are scheduled in cities and small towns across the state.
The races typically benefit local charities, particularly those that provide food and other resources.
Participants pay an entry fee and are asked to pitch in non-perishable food items.
Chicago's Turkey Trot in Lincoln Park benefits the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Organizers say last year's race collected 8,000 pounds of food.
The courses range in length from one mile to several miles.
Thanksgiving Day runs and races are also planned in cities including Rockford, Urbana and Edwardsville.
