LAKEVIEW (WBBM Newsradio) -- Chicago police commanders and city leaders say they're ready for a hot and busy weekend as hundreds of thousands of people are expected to attend Sunday's Pride parade.
"We believe we are ready for another amazing Pride weekend," North side Ald. Bennett Lawson told reporters during a Friday afternoon update at the Center On Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St., on plans for the parade, which steps off June 28 at 11:00 am from Broadway and Sheridan with the theme of "Free To Be Proud."
Lawson, who's one of several openly LGBTQ+ members of Chicago City Council, said he expects attendance to be fueled by concerns about political shifts that have targeted members of the community, and especially transfolk, in Washington and neighboring states. That sentiment was seconded by Joli Robinson, the executive director of the Center: "People see the city of Chicago as a beacon of hope."
"I think we're in a very very good place," said Chicago Police Dept. Chief Angel Novalez, who's in charge of constitutional policing for the force. He noted that parade organizers, local leaders and police commanders have worked for months on a plan designed to keep the parade ... and especially the evening hours after the parade ... safe: "We're lookin' at all the intelligence so we can prepare for it ahead of time."
Ald. Lawson (44th Ward) added that the area has seen a decrease in post-parade violence since the route shrunk in 2024: "I really appreciate the partnership with CPD, because they are taking action right away, they're not letting things go."
He said resources including cooling buses will also be along the route to help people cope with the extreme heat expected during the parade on Sunday. Accu-Weather is predicting RealFeel numbers could reach the 90s.
CPD says it's in "a good place" for parade, post-parade events
CPD says it's in "a good place" for parade, post-parade events
