City, Aldermen Say Pride Parade Could Leave Boystown

Boystown's biggest event may leave the iconic neighborhood after this year, city officials say.

The Pride Parade has been a staple in Boystown for years, but as the parade grew in popularity, it also grew in rowdiness. That's why the city is considering moving the event out of Lakeview.

The City of Chicago, Ald. Tom Tunney (44th) and Ald. James Cappleman (46th) released a joint statement Monday detailing their plan to move the event if parade-goers continue to be rowdy.

"If there is not a serious improvement in the parade's impact on surrounding residents' quality of life this year, the next step is to assemble an advisory group to make recommendations for moving the parade out of the Lakeview community," the statement read.

An advisory group has already been formed to implement changes to this year's parade in Boystown. The changes include a stricter public safety plan, greater enforcement against drinking in public and "improvements to parade operations."

Despite the possible plans to move the parade, Ald. Tunney and Ald. Cappleman expressed their desire to keep the parade in the neighborhood, albeit quieter and safer.

"If we do not see significant improvement this year, it may be the last year that the parade is in our community," the aldermen said in the statement. "Let's work together to ensure that the Pride Parade is a positive reflection of our pride in our neighborhood, city and LGBT community."