Safety measures in place ahead of 54th annual Chicago Pride Parade, CPD says

CHICAGO (WGN) — The Chicago Police Department announced its safety preparations on Thursday ahead of the city’s Pride Parade this weekend.

More than 800,000 people are expected to attend the 54th annual Chicago Pride Parade this Sunday on the city’s North Side. Chicago resident Shawn Sarles told WGN-TV that while he’s excited for the festivities, he and many others are preparing for the weather and the crowds.

“My apartment looks over the parade route, so I’m really excited to be able to watch from home, in the A/C, because it will be hot,” Sarles said.

Business owner Edward Gisiger, of the Kit Kat Lounge, said he will do his part to provide people with relief from the heat.

“We have giant fans that will be outside misting the crowds,” Gisiger said.

CPD revealed steps taken to address safety concerns for this year’s parade, including the forecast of extreme heat. Chicago police Supt. Larry Snelling warned parade-goers to remain vigilant and look for signs if you or someone you know falls ill.

“There are markers along the parade route, where they can look up, and they can give an exact location of where they are,” Snelling said. “That’s going to help us find whoever’s looking for that emergency assistance.”

Keeping the city safe after the event is over is another priority, Snelling says. As a result, the superintendent announced a no-days-off policy for the upcoming weekend, to ensure enough officers are available to respond to any post-parade activity.

“Last year, we made 52 arrests,” Snelling said. “We will do the same if we have to.”

This year, the parade will start at 11 a.m. from the corner of Sheridan and Broadway in Lakeview. Then moves south and east before coming to a finish at Sheridan and Diversey in Lincoln Park.

Since the inaugural event, the annual tradition has grown into Chicago’s second-largest parade. It’s an achievement that Pride Parade organizer, Tim Frye, never thought was possible.

“In 1971, I didn’t have a clue it would be like this, absolutely not,” Frye said. “I’m glad it did.”

Chicago police officials say it will continue to monitor threats concerning the parade, but add that the department has not yet received any credible reports.