Waukegan Pride Parade and Festival Promotes Community Unity

4 weeks ago 0

The Waukegan Pride Parade and Festival focused on community and unity, attracting large crowds to the parade route with vibrant floats.

Greg Brown, president of Waukegan Friends, emphasized the event’s purpose of bringing people from the city and nearby towns together. While Waukegan Friends has a core in the LGBTQ+ community, the festival aims to show how the entire town welcomes all residents.

“We are celebrating for and in Waukegan,” Brown said. “The focus is on our LGBTQ+ core welcomed in Waukegan, which helps make the community what it is.”

The parade commenced with the city Fire Department leading the way, followed by Brown driving a decorated vehicle. He led the procession along Sheridan Road.

Mayor Sam Cunningham, riding in a convertible, highlighted Waukegan’s tradition of welcoming all and noted its historic decision to fly the pride flag.

“It is part of unity, community, and respect,” Cunningham remarked.

The parade area bustled with lively vehicles, including cars from the Lambda Car Club, showcasing a range from classics to modern automobiles. People gathered at the Waukegan Harbor & Marina to enjoy performances, food, and vendors. Lore and Bill Anderson, along with their family, decorated their fence and attended as community supporters.

“We are supporting the Pride event,” Lore Anderson stated. “It’s important to show your support,” added Bill Anderson.

At On the Rocks, Evan and Alyse Middleton shared how supporting the community was a priority, enjoying music and dance.

“It’s important to show support for community members,” Alyse Middleton noted.

The Lambda Car Club, represented by Eric Schuermann and Tom Bierzychudek, participated with 25 vehicles, celebrating their love for cars while showing community support.

The Rev. Mark Rollenhagen from St. Paul’s Lutheran Church also joined, expressing the importance of recognizing LGBTQ+ members in the church.