(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — When Kayla Bates moved from Chicago to Elgin in 2018, they noticed a lack of Pride events.
So they created a Facebook group called ELGbtq+.
“As soon as I made the page, I had a lot of response from local businesses and community members that wanted to help me put on a Pride parade and festival, and it snowballed from there,” Bates.
Bates initially started planning the event for 2020, but a global pandemic had other plans.
After years of cancellations and delays, the first-ever Elgin Pride Parade and Festival will take place Saturday, June 3.
“We have the parade starting at 11 a.m., and that's immediately followed by a festival in Festival Park that will have live music from all queer performers,” they said. “We have a couple DJs and a couple live bands and a dance performance scheduled.”
The family-friendly event will also include a vendor market and food trucks.
Bates told WBBM the goal is to create a space that makes everyone feel safe and welcome.
“All day long we're kind of barraged with the media reports of transphobia and homophobia,” they said. “Having something so big where so many people come together and say, ‘No, we support you and we're here for you and in our community,’ that is just incredibly powerful.”
While they've received nothing but support from the city and its residents, Bates noted security measures will be in place just in case.
The parade will step off in downtown Elgin on Riverside Drive at 11 a.m. and ends at Festival Park.
More details can be found at elginpride.com
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