Thanks to folks who helped at last weekend’s float-building party (see photos). Now to the main event.
To participants, riders, marchers, donors and supporters, thank you so much for your time, talent and energy in helping Asians and Friends Chicago (AFC) bring to life our 2023 Chicago LGBTQ Pride Parade float. We have a lot to communicate, so let’s start with the basics:
Last AFC Pre-Build Gathering:
Sat., June 24, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Michael N.’s, 4239 S. Langley, Chicago.
AFC Pride Party:
Sat., June 24, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Michael N.’s, 4239 S. Langley, Chicago. Potluck, bring food and/or drink. We will provide basics and entertainment.
2023 Chicago LGBTQ Pride Parade:
Sun., June 25, general call for helpers, marchers and riders, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. (See details below.) Parade officially kicks off at noon. AFC’s float will likely start to move between 12:30 p.m. and 12:45 p.m. Theme: Anime, the Japanese animation genre.
AFC Post-Pride Party:
Sun., June 25, 3:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., Atmosphere Bar, 5355 N. Clark, Chicago. Potluck, bring a dish to share. Dancing. Cash bar.
Parade details:
Our Pride Float No. this year is 65. That means the float will start on Sheridan this year (NOT Broadway as in previous years). It will be parked on the west side of the street about a quarter block south of Sunnyside and three-quarters of a block north of Montrose, in Chicago, of course. The float should be in that starting position at 10 a.m., Sunday, June 25, 2023.
Parade organizers are placing portable restrooms on Montrose towards Broadway and some towards Sheridan.
The forecast is for a warm day, 88 degrees but cloudy. Rain is expected for the evening, so we should be good for the actual parade. We will provide some bottled water and sunscreen but please be prepared. Stay hydrated.
For float builders, decorators, D.J. and helpers, feel free to arrive anytime after 9 a.m. We don’t know when the float will get there, but sometimes it arrives early. Definitely be there by 10 a.m., as that’s when we’re guaranteed to be able to start working on the float.
For float riders, Anime-themed costumes are mandatory. Please make sure to check in with Charisse at the float by 11 a.m. Then be prepared to stage your position on the float at 11:30 a.m. Also, print, sign and submit the attached waiver form or sign a group form on site. Your signature is mandatory to ride on the float. We will have some bottled water and sunscreen, but be prepared to bring your own. The float will have very limited storage space.
Other important rules to follow:
• We will allow no alcoholic beverages on the float and will politely ask anyone who is visibly intoxicated to leave.
• Do not step off the float while it is moving. This is a critical rule to abide by. Your safety is of utmost importance.
• Finally, do not throw items from the float into the crowd. Only marchers can pass items to the crowd.
• At the end of the parade, the float will proceed past Diversey down Cannon Drive. It will move quickly, so stay on the float until it reaches a complete stop. Then, collect your things, put them aside and help tear down the float. Ask John M. or Angel A. what you can do to help.
For marchers, please congregate starting at 11 a.m. on the southwest side of Sunnyside and Sheridan. Look for Angel A. who will be dressed as Hello Kitty. Your attire should either be Anime or a colored shirt with shorts and comfortable walking footwear. You may create a sign representing your group that is no bigger than 3 feet x 3 feet. And don’t forget to sign the attached wavier form or sign a group form on site.
We’ll take you to the float at 11:45 a.m.
And please note the bullet points above, as they will apply to you. No alcoholic beverages, intoxicated participants will be asked to leave. Do not hop onto the float. It is very dangerous. You may pass items out if we have anything to pass out. This year, we may not. Keep up with the float as it goes down Cannon Drive at the end. And help as much as you can with the teardown. We’ll see you later at Atmosphere for our thank-you party.
That’s it for now. See you all this weekend!
