Community and unity took center stage as crowds gathered along the parade route for the fifth annual Waukegan Pride Parade and Festival. Greg Brown, the president of Waukegan Friends, which organized the event, emphasized the importance of celebrating the unity that arises when people collaborate for neighbors and themselves.

Brown highlighted that the festival’s core includes the LGBTQ+ community, but its broader mission is to display how everyone in Waukegan fosters a welcoming environment for all residents. “We are celebrating for and in Waukegan,” Brown stated. “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.”

The city Fire Department led the procession with Brown right behind, pulling a decorated boat. The parade traveled on Sheridan Road, reaching the lakefront, where over 4,000 attendees enjoyed food, drinks, and entertainment at On the Rocks. Mayor Sam Cunningham, who displayed civic pride from a convertible, spoke on Waukegan’s tradition of embracing diversity through unity, community, and respect.

The city of Waukegan was the first community in Lake County to fly the pride flag,” Cunningham shared. “We are a community of working-class people who treat each other with dignity and respect.

Parade participants adorned floats, cars, and the route with colorful displays. The Lambda Car Club showcased 25 vehicles, ranging from vintage cars to contemporary models, highlighting their passion for automobiles across the LGBTQ+ community.

Following the parade’s start at Sheridan Road and Glen Flora Avenue, the celebration moved to Waukegan Harbor & Marina. There, attendees enjoyed entertainment, food trucks, and various vendors at Siver Park.

Lore and Bill Anderson, locals, felt compelled to witness the community gathering. “We are supporting the Pride event,” Lore mentioned. Bill added, “In these political times, it’s important to show your support.” At On the Rocks, Evan and Alyse Middleton joined others to celebrate with music and dance, emphasizing community support.

Eric Schuermann, president of the Lake Michigan Region of the nationwide Lambda Car Club, expressed excitement about joining the parade. “We are here to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community,” Schuermann stated.

We are one of 29 chapters in the United States. We are the Lake Michigan Region, showing off our cars for everyone in the area to see,” added Tom Bierzychudek, the club’s director of events.

The Rev. Mark Rollenhagen of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and his congregation, who became a Reconciling in Christ community in 2021, participated in the parade. “We are all children of God,” he said, emphasizing the church’s support for the LGBTQ+ community despite past vandalism.

Among the vendors was American Place Casino, represented by Brooke Wallace, the public relations manager. She stated, “We’re showing our support for Waukegan and the community by partnering with Waukegan Friends.”