CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Chicago's 2019 Pride Parade kicks off Sunday at noon.
The parade, led by Mayor Lori Lightfoot, steps off at the corner of Broadway & Montrose and ends at Diversey & Cannon Drive. Spectators can wave at parade participants as decorative floats drive by and marching bands perform.
This year marks 50 years since the Stonewall rebellion; therefore, this year's theme is Stonewall 50: "Millions of Moments of Pride."
Historically, pride parades commemorate the Stonewall rebellion that took place on June 28,1969, when patrons of a New York City gay bar, the Stonewall Inn, fought back during a raid by police. At that time, gay bars were frequently raided across the country. That night, patrons fought back and street demonstrations continued for several days. During that week, gay liberation groups were formed, thus giving birth to the modern day LGBTQ+ rights movement.
Pride parades are staged in over 200 cities worldwide in more than 100 cities in the United States with at least 12 taking place on the last weekend in June every year. In recent years, many are staged in small towns across the country and recently in various suburbs of Chicago.
Think you are ready to join in on the celebration? Here is a Guide to Chicago's 2019 Pride Parade.
When:
The Chicago Pride Parade steps off Sunday, June 30 at noon.
Where:
The parade steps off at Montrose Avenue and Broadway in the Uptown neighborhood, winding its way through the North Side of the city, the parade travels south on Broadwat, south on Halsted, east on Belmont, south on Broadway and east on Diversey to Cannon Drive.
Theme:
Stonewall 50: "Millions of Moments of Pride"
Grand Marshal:
For this year's Chicago’s 50th Annual Pride Parade there will be several Grand Marshals. There will be an Honorary Grand Marshal; a Youth Grand Marshal; several“ Legacy" Grand Marshals (three community members continually active in LGBTQ+ organizations and/or business since before Stonewall for 50 years +) and an Organizational Grand Marshal.
The Honorary Grand Marshal is Mayor Lori Lightfoot. She is the first open lesbian mayor in the city's history.
The Youth Grand Marshal is Molly Pinta, a 12-year-old middle school student who lobbied to have a Pride Parade in her home town Buffalo Grove and came out as a lesbian to her parents, friends, teachers and world-at-large.
The Legacy Grand Marshals include Joel Hall, community activist and founder of the Joel Hall Dance Company; Jim Flint, community activist and owner of the Baton Show Lounge; and Marge Summit, longtime community activist and owner of the His 'n Hers bar that brought LGBTQ+ women and men and our Allies together for entertainment, good food and comaraderie.
The Organizational Grand Marshal is The "Indivisible" group, the Aurora Pride organizers who coordinated the first Chicago area suburban Pride Parade in history last year, and worked hard, with community help and support, to secure their second parade this year after they initially had to cancel it due to an increase in their city fees.
Parade Highlights:
Public transportation is "highly recommended" as parking restrictions begin at 5 a.m. Sunday morning and crowds build thoughtout the morning.
Street Closures and Parking:
Street closures will be in place along the route on parade day. There will be rolling closures as the parade travels south down the route.
Both the Assembly Area and Parade Route (listed above) will be posted with temporary signs indicating “NO PARKING ON SUNDAY JUNE 30, 2019, FROM 5 a.m. TO 8 p.m. - Both sides of the street, unless otherwise indicated.” Due to the volume of vehicles involved, the issuing of parking violation, citations, and towing will start at 5 a.m. promptly.
Safety:
In addition to police officers stationed along the route by the city, parade organizers will also provide a security team along and surrounding the route. Parade staff also reminds people to bring plenty of bottled water, sunscreen and a hat or other head covering, and dress lightly because parade day is usually hot and sunny.
The Pride Parade has increased the number of portable restrooms over the years. There will be a number of portable restrooms stationed along both the parade line-up street and the parade route.
Physically Challenged Area/Wheelchair Accessible Area/Seniors
For people who need or want more space use the sidewalks of W. Diversey Pkwy. (near 600 W. Diversey). Traditionally this area of the parade route has fewer spectators than other sections of the parade route. Spectators in these areas generally arrive there early on parade morning to secure their viewing spots. Included there are restrooms for the physically challenged.
Additional Tips
$1000 Fine FOR PUBLIC ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION:
The parade will have more security and a tighter rein on public alcohol consumption. In addition to the large number of police officers who staff the event, PRIDEChicago (parade coordinators) are providing a security team to supplement the police presence. Penalties include, but are not limited to, $1000+ tickets being issued and/or the immediate disposal of open containers of alcohol into trash receptacles.
Public urination is also grounds to receive a ticket.
CROWDS:
Since the number of spectators has increased dramatically in recent years on Halsted Street, spectators are being advised to try other sections of the parade route to view the parade (for example, 4000 to 4300 N. Broadway). The parade starts at noon. It is recommended that you arrive early!