Photo: Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce.
While over one million are expected to make the Pride Parade the biggest Pride event this year in Chicago, another major celebration will take place on the same day in the far North Side neighborhood of Rogers Park.
Pride North is expected to bring in over 4,000 revelers to the Glenwood Arts District —Morse and Glenwood Avenues, near the Morse CTA ‘L’ station.
In its fifth year, Pride North has become one of the largest events in Rogers Park.“We’re dedicating this year’s Pride North in memory of William Kelly,” said Bill Morton, president of the Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce, to Opus News. “An early pioneer of gay rights in Chicago, he deserves remembrance.”
Kelly died on May 17 at the age of 72. In 1991, he was among the first class of people inducted into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame.
“His passing was not only a great loss to Chicago’s gay community, but also to all of us Rogers Parkers,” Morton said.
The main event is on Sunday, Jun. 28 from 2 to 10 p.m.—allowing for Pride Parade participants to take their parties to the far North Side. There is a $5 suggested donation to support local charities.
The Glenwood, 6962 N. Glenwood Ave., and Pub 626, 1406 W. Morse Ave., will showcase the three finalists of the Pride Idol talent competition. There will also be DJs spinning records, live music, and the Burlesque Vertical Sideshow.
Pride North, Sunday, Jun. 28
1 p.m. The Locals
2 p.m. DJ Katie Kirby
3 p.m. DJ Harrbear aka Nathan Herremans
4 p.m. DJ Greg DeLuca
5 p.m. DJ Zo Diez
6 to 8 p.m. Burlesque Vertical Sideshow
8 p.m. DJ Steve Henderson
9 p.m. DJs The Byrne Twins
Ahead of Sunday’s events, Rogers Park will also host visitors for other activities.
On Saturday, Jun. 27, neighbors will open the “Big Condo Yard Sale” at Greenview and Jarvis Avenues.
R Public House, 1508 W. Jarvis Ave., will host a Pride Brunch on Sunday, Jun. 28 starting at 10 a.m. Attendees will receive free round trip ‘L’ tickets to and from the Chicago Pride Parade—which runs the length of Uptown, Boystown and Lincoln Park—while supplies last.
“We encourage everyone traveling to Rogers Park to take the CTA Red Line or bike,” Morton said. “A free public enclosed bike barn will be located near the Lunt Ave. side of Morse CTA ‘L’ station and can hold up to 200 bikes.”
While it’s taken aldermen to consider what to do with the aftermath of the Chicago Pride Parade, Morton has very simple request of attendees regarding garbage.
“Please do your part and use all trash receptacles. Let’s keep Rogers Park clean.”
