Mon. June 26, 2006
Chicago, IL -
Thousands of people lined Halsted and neighboring streets for Chicago's Gay Pride Parade despite the rain. The morning rain cleared within ten minutes of the parade step off from Belmont and Halsted at Noon Sunday.
Spectators lined the streets, rooftops and balconies to celebrate Gay Pride in Lakeview.
The parade, organized by Pride Chicago, drew nearly 400,000 which was down from the estimated 440,000. Organizers said the rain caused the attendance dip.
The Gay Pride Parade is Chicago's second largest parade, behind the annual Bud Billiken Parade, which is also the largest African-American parade in the country. Just 150 people participated in the first Pride parade in Chicago in 1970.
Along with the festive and colorful floats were the usual politicians, decorated vehicles and walking contingents. Near the front of the parade were Gov. Rod Blagojevich and Illinois Attorney Gen. Lisa Madigan. State Treasure and Republican gubernatorial nominee Judy Baar Topinka also participated in the parade. Critics claim Topinka has failed to back domestic-partner benefits.)
Leading the parade as was actor and activist George Takei, the actor who played Mr. Sulu in the original "Star Trek" TV series.
Top Billboard artist Jenna Drey performed to the energetic crowds from the ChicagoPride.com – Fusion Radio float.
Chicago's parade was one of several across the nation Sunday, including events in New York, Miami and San Francisco.
PRIDEChicago presented awards in three categories for:
Best All Around float: Chicago Games, Inc. (Gay Games VII) - for their presentation and display of energy and exuberance.
Best Business float: Shawn Daly- with his elaborate same-sex marriage theme entry.
Best Organization floats: ( a tie !)- Columbia College -for their costumed participants and visual presentation.
Also: Lake View East Chamber of Commerce- for their colorful float depicting their Fall arts fest.
Honorable Mention: Windy City Rodeo & Charlie's Chicago- for their energy and presentation.
Parade day was capped off with ABC 7 Chicago's one hour show at 11:35 PM, presenting taped highlights from this year's parade. Host: Janet Davies w/ Lou Canellis on the steet, and special guest WXRT's Terri Hemmert as well as Pride Parade Coordinator, Richard Pfeiffer. This is the third year in a row that ABC 7 has aired a taped version of the parade.
Photo: Actor and activist George Takei serves as the Grand Marshal for the 37th Annual Chicago Pride Parade. Photo by Frank Failing/Male Image Photography.
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