Sections of the AIDS Memorial Quilt visit Chicago

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago's Navy Pier is hosting the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt through Sunday, June 25th.

The AIDS Memorial Quilt is the largest ongoing community arts project in the world and is the national symbol in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Created in 1987 by Cleve Jones, the quilt memorializes individuals who have died from AIDS. Composed of nearly 50,000 three by six feet individual quilted cloth panels, the quilt represents over 85,000 names. The quilt's mission is to bring an end to the AIDS pandemic through education and public awareness.

Chicago's Navy Pier is having their 2nd Annual Pier Pride Event taking place the day before the annual Pride Parade.

On June 24, Pier Pride will officially kick off at noon with a fitness class at the base of the Wave Wall staircase that connects the South Dock to Pier Park, where the Centennial Wheel is located. Fitness Formula Club will lead guests through "The Big Gay Get-In-Shape," a 20-minute high-intensity workout session. Following the fitness class, children and families are invited to gather at the Wave Wall for Story Time with Drag Queens, presented by Muffy Fishbasket.

The drag queens will read various storybooks to children throughout the day and be available for photos with the children and their parents following story time. In the evening, social justice educator, diversity professional and international keynote speaker Precious Davis will commence Chicago's Big Fat Gay Wedding, the largest same-sex wedding in the city,as she officiates a series of marriage ceremonies for LGBT couples along the South Dock, against the stunning backdrop of Lake Michigan and the iconic Chicago skyline. Interested couples can bring their marriage certificates and get legally married at the Pier.

For more details, click here for the press release.