Waukegan Pride Parade Celebrates Community and Unity

Community and unity were at the heart of the fifth-annual Waukegan Pride Parade and Festival. The event drew many people to the parade route and the lakefront for festivities.

Greg Brown, president of Waukegan Friends—the organizing body—emphasized the opportunity for people from the city and nearby areas to celebrate unity. The event highlighted working together for the benefit of neighbors and self. Brown pointed out that while the organization’s core is the LGBTQ+ community, the event showcases Waukegan as a welcoming place for all residents.

We are celebrating for and in Waukegan. The focus is on our LGBTQ+ core welcomed in Waukegan, which helps make the community what it is. When you have that, you have a great community, no matter the lifestyle. This is what’s great about Waukegan.

The parade commenced with the city Fire Department, soon followed by Brown in a vehicle towing a decorated boat. The route stretched from Glen Flora Avenue to the lakefront. Over 4,000 attendees enjoyed food, drinks, and entertainment at On the Rocks.

Mayor Sam Cunningham participated in the parade, riding in a convertible. He spoke about Waukegan’s tradition of being inclusive and respectful. The city of Waukegan was the first community in Lake County to fly the pride flag, Cunningham said. It is part of unity, community, and respect. We are a community of working-class people who treat each other with dignity and respect.

The parade featured colorful floats, decorated cars with streamers, and 25 automobiles from the Lambda Car Club. An hour into the parade, festivities at Waukegan Harbor & Marina began, offering performances, food trucks, and varied vendors in Siver Park.

Residents like Lore and Bill Anderson, with their family, watched the parade with their decorated home backdrop. They felt a strong sense of support for the event. Bill Anderson emphasized the importance in these political times. We are supporting the Pride event, said Lore Anderson.

Evan and Alyse Middleton attended the festival at On the Rocks, appreciating the entertainment while primarily supporting the community. Alyse Middleton highlighted the chance to enjoy community togetherness.

Eric Schuermann, president of the Lake Michigan Region Lambda Car Club, remarked on members’ passion for cars and the LGBTQ+ community’s pride. Their 25 vehicles drove through the parade route, showing off various models.

The College of Lake County also participated with a decorated vehicle.

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church’s pastor, Rev. Mark Rollenhagen, and his congregation joined the parade. The church, now a Reconciling in Christ community, showed their support for LGBTQ+ members despite past vandalism. Rollenhagen emphasized the need to support each other.

American Place Casino was among the entities represented at Siver Park. Brooke Wallace, the casino’s public relations manager, stressed their community commitment through partnering with Waukegan Friends.