The 2008 Gay and Lesbian Pride Parade in Chicago

Sunday, June 29^th 2008 is the 39^th annual Gay and Lesbian Pride Parade is Chicago Illinois. The parade kicks of at 12:00pm sharp. Pack the lawn chair and head on out. What could be better than seeing an event that won't cost you a dime? The annual parade is a sight to behold and occurs yearly on the last Sunday in June in Chicago. Crowds gather on both sides of the street to enjoy the parade and days entertainment. No matter you sexual preference, the crowd, as well as the parade participants hope you will come on out and enjoy the fun!

The Gay and Lesbian Pride Parade really brings out the crowds. People emerge in herds. An excess of 400,000 people are expected to be in attendance this year. The outrageous floats and parade costumes are certainly going to be entertaining. Float participants are encouraged to come up with unique floats and costumes using a wide variety of colors. Bands also take to the streets as they fill in betwixt the floats and really strut their stuff!

The crowd the parade draws is extremely friendly. Plan on taking the time to get to know the people around you, strike up a conversation or two and making new friends. The types of people you will meet are not judgmental and are there to have a good time just like you. Join in the cheering and applause and you watch the parade surrounded by friends.

Be sure to plan on seeing politicians on the first few floats of the parade. Cheer for them anyway as they are there to enjoy themselves also!

Finding a parking space in Chicago the day of the parade is next to impossible. People are highly encouraged to use public transportation if at all possible. Buses and other forms of public transportation run full blast to make sure everyone gets where they are supposed to be. If you plan on meeting someone or a group of people at the parade, it is a wise idea to bring a cell phone. Another good idea is to set up a specific time and place to meet. That way it will be easier for you to connect.

Since it is the summer time, it is a good idea to make certain you have on plenty of sunblock. If you decide to bring out the kids as well, make sure you cover them in sunblock too. Don't forget to drink plenty of water. Being out in the heat of the sun for long periods of time requires people to stay hydrated. People are encouraged to bring bottled water so there will be no dehydration issues the day of the parade.

The parade begins at 800W Halstead and Belmont 3200N. It will continue up Halstead to Grace 3800N. From here the parade will make a turn and go down Broadway until it reaches 2800N Diversey. It will come to an end at Cannon Drive.

If you are interesting in getting a group of people together to design and enter a float, registration couldn't be simpler. All you have to do is contact the official organizer:

PRIDEChicago
http://www.ChicagoPrideCalendar.org
3712 N. Broadway-PMB 544
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 348-8243
Richard Pfeiffer
Pridechgo@aol.com

Come on out to Chicago's Gay and Lesbian Pride Parade on June 29^th!