Evanston Pride's first event of the season is the Evanston Pride Youth Car Parade. The mission of the parade is to drive Evanston's LGBTQIA+ youth around town while Evanstonians from different wards cheer them along, showing support by being present and positive.
Mayor Daniel Biss will be on hand at the parade launch to address riders and give an official celebratory send-off to participating cars.
Participants: Cars should meet at the Evanston Township High School Dodge Avenue parking lot anytime after 12 noon to decorate and enjoy meeting all the participating riders. The parade will launch at 1pm, and expects to arrive at the end of the route by 1:30 or 1:45. E-bikes are welcome to join the parade. Regular bikers and walkers are encouraged to spectate the parade as it passes.
Spectators: The more spectators, the more loved and supported these families will feel. Organizers hope to double the numbers of last year's spectators.
Spectators are welcome anywhere along the route, but members of the Evanston Pride Board of Directors will be gathered at certain spots and can answer questions and hand out information about upcoming Pride events in 2023. All are welcome to join our Board members and be in community.
Gathering Spots:
Corner of Dodge and Main, outside the Robert Crown Center (families can pick up their own Pride Mini-Float Crafting Kits at the Crown Branch of EPL on June 4th too!
Corner of Main and Forest, outside Lincoln Elementary School
Fountain Square, Davis St and Orrington Ave
Post Parade:
Parade goers will end the journey with an informal gathering at Ingraham Park, behind the Civic Center. Evanston Pride will provide some snacks and bottled water. All are welcome, and encouraged to BYO chairs, blankets or refreshments.
Location: ETHS Dodge Ave parking