Buffalo Grove celebrates 6th annual BG Pride Parade

The 6^th annual BG Pride Parade – held Sunday, June 2 in northwest suburban Buffalo Grove – was “the biggest and best one yet,” said event organizer Carolyn Pinta of The Pinta Pride Project, Inc.

“Buffalo Grove knows that the parade is coming and they are preparing the week before. There was a buzz of excitement on local social media all week. A personal highlight for our family was watching a local business owner proudly displaying, ‘I have a gay son/brother’ t-shirt and reveling in the joy of the community, embracing their love for each other.

“Several families were excited to point out their kids, now in elementary school, who had first witnessed the parade as babies and have returned each year.”

Pinta said the rainbow-clad crowd was excited and engaged. “We estimate one of the largest crowds yet,” she said.

BG Pride attracts spectators and participants of all ages and every side of the rainbow. Greg Harris was the grand marshal and one of the highlights, as expected, was the decorations from Balloons By Tommy (Tommy and Scott DeLorenzo).

“The balloons were magical, as always,” Pinta said. “We first connected with Greg Harris in 2018 and finally were able to align schedules to have him out to the parade. He was a perfect grand marshal, embraced by many of his friends in the democratic party.

“It was a tear-worthy moment to see Tommy and his husband Scott kicking off the parade with their balloon marchers. We are deeply concerned about Tommy’s health. He is the most wonderful human.”

Carolyn’s bisexual daughter, Molly, who just graduated from Stevenson High School, cut the rainbow ribbon at the parade with her parents. She then walked the route, greeting community members and guests.”

The 2025 BG Pride Parade is set for June 1, “and several groups have expressed that they are already planning their entries,” Pinta said.