Tue. July 2, 2013
Chicago, IL -
PRIDEChicago, the organizers of the annual Chicago Pride Parade, announced the awards from the 204 registered entries at Sunday's parade.
"It's always hard trying to select winners because all entries are so very different," said organizers, who did manage to select a few of the stand-outs from 2013.
Filipinos & Friends in Chicago (FINC) won the 'Best All-Around Float' category for their entry that included beautiful costumes and "great presentation." The theme of the float was "FINC FIESTA: 365 days of being out and Proud."
"Having a Filipino themed float gives the world a glimpse of how wonderful a country the Philippines is," FINC president Ryan James Basa told ChicagoPride.com.
The FINC float, which featured 27 dancers headed by Jack Mier and 10 models styled by Francis Enriquez and Eukee Flordeliza, was designed by Jellicoe Eusebio with Kenneth Cutamora and Ramil Angeles. According to the designers, the inspiration was the Sarimanok, a legendary bird of the Maranao people who originate from Mindanao, a major island in the Philippines. (view more photos of entry)
Basa said that a majority of funding for the float came from Filipinos around the globe. "We are beyond excited and happy to know that we made the Filipinos around the world proud," he added.
With its race car themed "Equality....Full Speed Ahead" float, Sidetrack won for 'Best Business' entry. In 2012, the popular Boystown bar - known for its elaborate and colorful floats - took the 'Best All-Around Float' category. (view more photos of entry)
Asians & Friends Chicago (AFC) with its 'Gayflower' themed boat - including AFC member Kevin Vong in a popcorn dress - and Lake View High School's colorful float with "a lot of energy" won 'Best Organization Float' in a tie.
An honorable mention went to Berlin Nightclub for their unique presentation, the "Art of Celebration" 30 years of Berlin.
The Berlin float concept was to celebrate gay artist Keith Haring, who had a positive effect on public awareness of both gay culture and the AIDS epidemic.
"Keith was an obvious starting point for Berlin as he was a huge influence on youth culture from the time the club was born and brought so much generosity of spirit to all of us who were still struggling at that time for any meaningful public recognition as valued members of society," said Berlin co-owner Jo Webster.
The float was executed with Jo-Jo Baby's own creation of a spectacular parachute gown and body suit. "There was no guarantee that we wouldn't all be swept into Indiana in a gust of wind attached to Jo-Jo's skirts," joked Webster.
Webster worked with Mark LaFerney of Slumbering Alligator Designs on an accompanying art installation at Berlin, which remains up until after the Independence Day holiday week. Many of the nightclub's staff were integral to that and the execution of the float by creating their own Haring-inspired costumes.
Parade organizers also offered a special acknowledgement to Balloons by Tommy for the colorful display of balloons featuring the word "LOVE". Balloons by Tommy was also an award winner at last year's parade.
"I am overjoyed at the response I receive each year at the parade and can not wait to make it bigger and better next year," said owner Tommy DeLorenzo told ChicagoPride.com. "With the battle for marriage equality being the hot topic this year, Love is really what it's all about. Love is love."
The 44th annual Chicago Pride Parade drew a record 1 million people to the Uptown and Lakeview neighborhoods on Sunday afternoon. Despite the record number of spectators, there were no reports of major problems.
ChicagoPride.com and Gay Chicago TV provided a live stream from the parade. The video archive is available online and photos are available in the photo gallery.
The parade was the culmination of Pride month activities in Chicago.
Related: 44th annual Chicago Pride Parade draws record crowds
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