Chicago Pride Parade in 1985 | Photo: Wiki
Chicago Pride Parade will return for its 49th year this Sunday 24 June. The colorful neighborhood of Boystown will get even more vibrant when one of the biggest LGBTI events in the Midwest will take over its streets.
LGBTI people and allies will gather for a few hours of fun and protest ahead of the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots.
Another vintage image of 1985 Chicago Pride | Photo: Wiki
The route
Following the two-day Pride festival of 16-17 June, the parade kicks off at noon on Sunday.
Marchers and floats will start from Montrose Avenue and then head to Broadway in Uptown. The parade will end near the intersection of Diversey Parkway and Sheridan Road in Lincoln Park. 150 contingents are expected on the day. The march will last approximately between two and a half and four hours.
Public transportation is your best bet to get there. However, you might want to avoid the Belmont L stop on the Red and Brown Lines as they will be the most crowded on the day.
This year’s grand marshal
2018 grand marshal is Orlando ‘El Fenomeno’ Cruz, the first openly gay boxer. Cruz came out in 2012 and has since been an active spokesperson for the LGBTI community.
Orlando Cruz came out in 2012, receiving the support of fellow Puerto Ricans such as Ricky Martin | Photo: Sergio Kardenas via Twitter
Tips for foodies
Former unofficial Chicago mayor Bill Pritchard – now in the Seattle GoPride committee – shared some tips and pearls of wisdom for 2018 Pride foodies.
‘Most popular spots will have a Pride Package that day. Taverna750, Divalicious Brunch at Kit Kat Lounge, Minibar Ultra Lounge and Café, and Scarlet’s Liquid Brunch just to name a few,’ he said on www.chicagopride.gopride.com.
However, you might not be able to get brunch on the day as the parade starts at 12pm.
‘Just head to Angelina Ristorante, Nookie’s Tree and Jack’s on Halsted on the previous day. These places all offer brunch on Saturday as well as Sunday,’ he added.
Also knowns as Girlstown, Andersonville is the most popular lesbian hub in town.
‘Heading north, you might enjoy the tasty treats of Hamburger Mary’s, including the Mary Tyler Smore. Ann Sather also boasts some hearty breakfast fare and delicious cinnamon rolls,’ said Pritchard.
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