CHICAGO — The Chicago Pride Parade is scaling down this year, organizers said.
The parade returns June 30 for its 53rd edition, drawing tens of thousands of people to Uptown, Lakeview and Lincoln Park to celebrate LGBTQ+ identities and allies.
This year’s parade will start one hour earlier at 11 a.m., organizers said.
The celebration — which includes floats, performance groups, marching bands and more — will be capped at 125 entries, organizers said. This is about a 37 percent decrease from last year’s 199 entries.
Organizers were notified of the changes from the city in mid-March, they said. Concerns include “the city’s capacity to manage a range of large events throughout the summer,” organizers said. The Windy City Times’ Jake Wittich was first to report the news.
“We are honored that the Chicago Pride Parade is one of the largest and most successful LGBTQ+ celebrations in the country,” said Erica Schroeder, a spokesperson for the city of Chicago. “As with all major events in the city, we are constantly evaluating options to improve safety while also delivering the best experience for our visitors, residents and community.”
Last year’s parade had increased security in light of rising attacks against the LGBTQ+ community, the Windy City Times reported. It’s unclear if cuts to this year’s parade are related, and city officials and police did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
With fewer entries, organizers will prioritize LGBTQ+ organizations and groups, queer-owned businesses and businesses with LGBTQ+ resources groups for employees, they said.
All LGBTQ+ organizations, groups and businesses from last year’s parade are able to return this year, organizers said.
Parade entries are closed, but groups can apply for the waitlist online. LGBTQ+ organizations are encouraged to contact organizers directly at info@pridechicago.org.
Chicago’s Pride parade is recognized as one of the oldest and largest in the country. It was organized in 1970 as the Chicago Gay Rights March, commemorating the 1969 Stonewall Rebellion when patrons of a New York City gay bar fought back during a raid by police.
“It’s truly a parade like no other and we’re incredibly grateful for the support of our dedicated partners, allies and friends who have helped make the parade a cherished neighborhood tradition for decades,” organizers said. “We understand there will be some disappointed groups that will not march with us this year; we extend a heartfelt thank you for their support and understanding.”
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