CPD talks Chicago Pride Parade safety, with 1M expected to gather in city
Chicago officials ask attendees to prepare for hot weather
CHICAGO (WLS) -- One million people will gather in Chicago on Sunday.
On Thursday afternoon, police talked about how they plan to keep attendees safe during the Pride Parade.
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Superintendent Larry Snelling at the Center on Halsted highlighted that Pride Parade attendees should prepare for the heat.
Snelling says the safety plan has been developed over the many years of this parade.
It takes into account the large crowds and the tight route through neighborhood streets.
The weather is also a concern, with temperatures expected to be in the mid-90s.
"Although there is no actionable intelligence at this time, each year Chicago's public safety departments along with parade organizers adjust the already robust security measures to ensure the safety of personnel, participants, spectators, residents, and all those in the area. CPD will be along the route securing the parade and protecting all those celebrating," officials said.
Alderman Bennett Lawson, who represents the 44th Ward, was also at the news conference.
"Our top priority is a safe, respectful celebration for everyone, both during and after the parade," Lawson said.
Chicago's Pride Parade, which begins in the Northalsted neighborhood, is considered one of the largest in the world.
The theme for the 54th annual parade is "United in Pride," which organizers say reflects the powerful spirit of unity, resilience and love that defines the LGBTQ+ community and its allies.
It seems to go on forever. Some 15,000 people and floats will make their way down the parade route.
It has grown dramatically over the years.
"In 1972, I didn't have a clue it would grow; I'm glad it did," said Tim Frye, who is on the parade committee.
The parade is a festive, joyous atmosphere, but also a crowd that creates challenges for security. Last year, police arrested more than 50 people.
"I feel good about the safety plan we have in place. This is a call to action to all those participating in the Pride Parade," Mayor Brandon Johnson said.
Police say the parade is only part of their concern for the day. They say, historically, many people come into the neighborhood after the parade looking to cause trouble.
The superintendent says that will not be tolerated.
"If you come down to break the law, the Chicago Police Department is going to hold you accountable," Snelling said.
Snelling said this weekend is all-hands-on-deck.
They have canceled days off for officers.
The parade steps off from Sheridan Road and Broadway (viewing begins at Grace Street and Broadway) and will then travel the 2-mile parade route south on Broadway; then south on Halsted Street; then east on Belmont Avenue; then south on Broadway; and then east on Diversey Parkway to Cannon Drive.
Street closures could come as early as 7:30 a.m. Sunday for participant staging areas, and parade route closures could begin as early as 8:30 a.m., or as the crowd dictates for safety issues, including Irving Park Road and Wellington Street at Broadway and Addison Street, Grace, and Roscoe Street at Halsted. Streets are expected to fully reopen by 4 p.m. or when deemed safe to do so, officials said Thursday.
Safely cross the event at the following locations:
- Addison/Halsted
- Cornelia Avenue/Halsted
- Buckingham Place/Halsted
- Briar Avenue/Broadway
- Wellington/Broadway
Parking restrictions in the area will begin at 2 a.m. Sunday morning for the assembly area at Sheridan and Broadway and the parade route, Chicago officials said.
Cooling buses, if needed, will be available at the following locations:
- Addison west of Halsted
- Roscoe east of Halsted
- Belmont east of Broadway
- Wilton Street north of Belmont
- Waveland Avenue between Broadway and Halsted
- Belmont westbound between Halsted and Clark Street
There will be medical tents along the route, as well, and the parade route will be filled with markers to help quickly identify location if there is an emergency.
Both CTA and Metra are providing additional service for the parade.
ABC7 Chicago parade coverage will begin Sunday at 11 a.m. It will be available on ABC7 and wherever you stream.
