Sun. January 1, 2006
Chicago, IL -
Crowds cheered the exploding fireworks over Chicago’s Navy Pier as hundreds of thousands rang in 2006 throughout the Windy City. Revelers packed Chicago’s gay and lesbian clubs and restaurants to count down the New Year.
Celebrations in Boystown stretched along North Halsted from Spin Nightclub to the Kit Kat Lounge and Supperclub. As the clock ticked down, crowds filled the nightclubs leaving many latecomers out in the cold.
As the confetti rained down at midnight the large crowd at Hydrate Chicago's “Studio-54” themed party celebrated to a high-energy mix by DJ Ralphi Rosario. At Sidetrack revelers raised glasses just before midnight to toast the New Year during a benefit for Equality Illinois. The energy and mayhem continued at Charlie's "When in Rome" party.
Further north in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood, revelers packed the popular Crew sports bar for “Crew Years Eve,” a celebration to benefit the Gay Games.
New Year’s Eve was also big for restaurants in East Lakeview where many enjoyed a sumptuous dinner and varied entertainment options. X/O’s “Bubbling Over” party featured DJ Chris Eterno while singer Jeff Roscoe entertained the crowd at Cornelia’s and it was a night of “Hollywood” glamour at the Kit Kat.
Illinois' Gay Rights Law Begins in New Year
Illinois gays have particular reason to celebrate the New Year as a state law prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity becomes reality Sunday. (Full Story)
Related: NYE Photos by Frank Failing
Photos: (by Frank Failing/Male Image Photography)
Top: a couple celebrates with a kiss at the stroke of Midnight during Hydrate Chicago
Middle: revelers raises glasses for a Midnight toast at Sidetrack
Bottom: "When in Rome" was the theme at Charlie's
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