Community and unity were the dominant themes as scores of people lined the parade route watching colorful floats, and thousands came to the lakefront for the fifth-annual Waukegan Pride Parade and Festival.
Greg Brown, the president of Waukegan Friends, which organized the event, said it was an opportunity for all people from the city and nearby towns to celebrate the unity found when people work together for their neighbors and themselves.
Brown said the core of the organization is also part of the LGBTQ+ community, but the purpose of the parade and festival is to showcase how everyone in Waukegan forms a welcoming community for all of its 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. When you have that, you have a great community, no matter the lifestyle. This is what’s great about Waukegan.”
The city Fire Department led the parade with Brown close behind, driving a vehicle pulling a decorated boat on Saturday on Sheridan Road, from Glen Flora Avenue to the lakefront, where more than 4,000 people enjoyed food, drinks and entertainment at On the Rocks.
Mayor Sam Cunningham, who rode in a convertible near the front of the parade, said the city, which was built by people from a variety of communities, has a tradition of welcoming all comers.
“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.”
As people gathered at the parade organizing area, there were colorful floats, decorated cars, many with streamers, including 25 polished automobiles of all kinds, from classic old cars to newer ones from the Lambda Car Club.
An hour after the parade was scheduled to begin at the corner of Sheridan Road and Glen Flora Avenue, the festival began at the Waukegan Harbor & Marina with a variety of performers on the stage of On the Rocks, food trucks and different vendors in Siver Park.
Watching the parade, with the fence in front of their home decorated, were Lore and Bill Anderson, along with other family members, including children. They felt compelled to watch as community members.
“We are supporting the Pride event,” Lore Anderson said. “In these political times, it’s important to show your support,” added Bill Anderson.
Evan and Alyse Middleton were sitting at a table at On the Rocks outdoor tavern, watching dancers and listening to music during the festival. She said the entertainment was good, but showing support for the community was their primary focus.
“It’s important to show support for community members,” Alyse Middleton said. “It’s a chance to enjoy each other’s company. We get to see good entertainment with people from the entire community.”
Eric Schuermann, the president of the Lake Michigan Region of the nationwide Lambda Car Club, said the organization consists of members of the LGBTQ+ community who “love cars of all kinds,” whether they are antiques or newer models. Members came and drove the parade route with 25 vehicles.
“We are here to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community,” Schuermann said before the parade. “We are one of 29 chapters in the United States. We are the Lake Michigan Region.”
We are showing off our cars for everyone in the area to see,” added Tom Bierzychudek, the club’s director of events.
The Rev. Mark Rollenhagen, the pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Waukegan, walked in the parade with members of his congregation. The church became a Reconciling in Christ community in 2021, welcoming LGBTQ+ members, and was vandalized for it two years ago. He was wearing a stole with Pride colors.
“We are all children of God,” Rollenhagen said. “It’s important we make a difference. Members of the LGBTQ+ community are part of our church, and it’s important we show our support for the LGBTQ+ community.”
Among the merchants, organizations and businesses in Siver Park was American Place Casino. Brooke Wallace, the casino’s public relations manager, was part of the delegation. She said the business’s presence is part of its commitment to the community.
“We’re showing our support for Waukegan and the community by partnering with Waukegan Friends,” Wallace said.
