In my 20s I’d go every year to the parade here in Chicago, just because it was one of the biggest parties of the summer. Most of my friends would go. The parade has been a big deal for a long time. It was a sight to see Mayor Daley waving to the crowd, accompanied by a 6 foot guy in a majorette costume.
It was big then and now it’s even more a very established event, with corporate sponsors and the marchers include large contingents of cop and military groups.
I hadn’t been for many years, but in 2015 I HAD to go because it was just a week or so after the Supreme Court decision guaranteeing equal marriage rights across the US.
My favorite part was the group from the County court, judges and staff (they officiate in civil marriage ceremonies), with big signs reading, “We Want to Marry You!!”.
The Blackhawks had won the NHL championship two weeks before and that hadn’t worn off.. A couple of players and the Chicago Gay Hockey league (yes, that is a thing) brought the Stanley Cup, that was really cool, giving fans a chance to see it as well as supporting the community.
Mad Max Fury Road was the big movie at the time, and another highlight were the Mad Max cosplayers on motorcycles. Dozens of (mostly) women, and they went all out with costumes. Here’s one photo I found online.