Pride Month Events Nearby: Thousands Line Streets for 6th Annual Buffalo Grove Pride Parade 2024

BUFFALO GROVE, Ill. (WLS) — Everyone loves parades and everyone was invited to the sixth annual Buffalo Grove Pride Parade on Sunday morning.

Spectators gathered to watch the colorful parade entries. Many flew the rainbow flag, symbol of the LGBTQ+ community.

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The Pinta family started the parade six years ago.

“We thought it would be us and our family and our groups of trees, walking down the street and looking at the trees,” Bob Pinta said.

Instead, it now has more than 100 units with lots of music and a family-friendly atmosphere for the several thousand people who line the streets.

“Who doesn’t love a parade that celebrates love, inclusiveness and free candy?” said parade participant Barry Stark.

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Molly Pinta and her mother started the Gay-Straight Alliance at their school, which led to this Pride festival and parade.

“There are a lot of people in the community, in my school, who don’t get that support, and that’s what this parade is for,” Molly said.

In this election year, there are also many politicians, including President Joe Biden, or at least his portrait.

“We saw this. I asked where Jill was. She wasn’t in the car!” said Lori Blum, a parade participant.

Many members of the LGBTQ+ community fear that the political gains they have made in recent years are at risk, and they are focused on gaining the right to vote.

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“It’s important to show that everyone’s voice matters,” said parade participant Yusuf Tewolde.

“It’s disastrous that we can vote,” parade organizer Carolyn Pinta said.

Many of these people will be celebrating Pride throughout the month of June, including in the Chicago Pride Parade at the end of the month.