400,000 people gathered on one of the hottest days of the summer to attend an energetic parade that floods the streets of Halsted and Diversey. Those participating are walking because they are proud of what they stand for. Add an excessive amount of exotic costumes along with a rainbow on each float and what do you get?
Chicago's Gay and Lesbian Pride Parade.
This isn't your typical parade, but rather an institution that supports those who are gay, straight or not even sure. It's a day to celebrate being an individual. Everyone is welcome no matter what orientation they are. "Live, Love, Be Proud" was the theme of this year's parade. XRT participated by handing out paper pride fans while walking along side our float that spotlighted Terri Hemmert, an XRT personality and a big supporter of the event. Politicians, TV News Stations, Radio Stations and many more organizations and businesses gather to either march or support this event on the last Sunday of June every summer.
Over the years, this parade has earned it's place on the streets of Chicago for one of the largest parades in history. It ranks high as one of the most attended events of the summer! This year it was estimated that 450,000 people were in attendance.
It looked like a great time...too bad I was at BAM! Fest.
The Belmont Arts and Music (BAM!) Festival is a weekend-long street event that invites the most diverse and talented musicians, artists and chefs to its streets to make for a unique and entertaining weekend. With at least 50 vendors, craftspeople and artists, the streets of Belmont are full of artwork and different treasures as big and little name bands provide the entertainment. Although Kelsey (intern) and I enjoyed test tasting the different types of food and meeting our vendor neighbors, w
e weren't a big fan of the rain. Luckily I had enough experience with the rain from the last festival that I was able to construct a makeshift shield of banners to prevent our tent and promo items from getting wet. When the rain did clear up, we got back to work--which basically consisted of talking to those who passed by, handing out free XRT items and relaxing and enjoying the day under the sun. I discovered today that I make a great saleswoman, by selling over $100 worth of XRT tee-shirts, I'm starting to think I should be in Sales and Marketing!
As for the music, I enjoyed listening to Cavashawn, a Pop-Alternative Rock band from Chicago. They stopped by our tent and talked to us for awhile about their music and even invited us to their next show. I spoke to their lead singer, Scott Salmon, and he gave me one of their CD's! I 'm starting to become a big fan of the free CD's and the personal meet and greet with these bands.
After a hard day's work, I waited for the bus, hopped on the "L" and made my way back to the Metra to go home.
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