CHICAGO — Chicago’s 51st Annual Pride Parade, one of the largest in the country, has been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Tribune reported Wednesday.
The parade was set to take place June 28, but with the current health crisis expected to last into the summer, organizers pulled the plug — at least for now.
Parade coordinator Tim Frye told the Tribune he hopes the parade can rake place in late summer or early fall. Frye did not respond to requests for comment from Block Club.
Pride Fest, an LGBTQ street festival originally scheduled for June 20-21, has also been postponed, organizers said. The event, which features live music, food, vendors and more, could now take place Labor Day weekend.
“We will continually evaluate the feasibility of hosting the festival with local and state officials as the current crisis evolves,” said Mark Liberson, Chicago Pride Fest chairperson, in an emailed statement.
But Market Days, another major event to celebrate Chicago’s queer community, is still on, organizers said. That’s currently scheduled for Aug. 8-9.
Ramesh Ariyanayakam, president of the Northalsted Business Alliance, said organizers “remain steadfast in our belief that Pride should be celebrated far and wide,” so they’ll focus on creating virtual events and programs. More information on that will be released soon.
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