Smile Politely

The Pride Parade was a true celebration

Louise Knight-Gibson
Three people walking in the street holding a variety of pride flags there is a blue sky in the background.
Louise Knight-Gibson

This past weekend, Uniting Pride of Champaign County had their big Pride Parade as part of Pride Fest 2023 and it is my family’s new favorite event. There were some hilarious costumes (the inflatable Care Bears were my favorite), so much candy, and joy radiating from the faces of everyone in the parade. More importantly, it felt like a genuine celebration of our LGBTQ+ community, and seeing so many Champaign-Urbana organizations show their support by participating was inspiring. Below are a few of my favorite floats and moments from the parade. You can also read about the Pride Parade winners right here. 

The driver of a black pickup truck with a person in a pink care bear costume in the back wave to the crowd.
Louise Knight-Gibson
A purple fan pulling a float that says Senior Pride. There are 5 older white ladies dressed in sparkly t-shirts, colorful hats, and holding disco ball balloons. The sign at the back of the float says, we were queer before it was cool.
Louise Knight-Gibson
Three kids stand and watch the parade go by, the fourth one sits on the sidewalk dressed as Cookie Monster.
Louise Knight-Gibson
A mini bus, small enough for one person to sit in and drive, goes down the street. There is a person walking behind wearing black pants, a white t-shirt, multiple boas, and a party hat.
Louise Knight-Gibson
A rainbow over a giant float that has a big yellow sign on the back that says, keep hate out of health care. There are three people in dark shirts and shorts walking behind and carrying a pink, yellow, and blue striped flag.
Louise Knight-Gibson
A parade with cheerleaders in orange, white, and dark blue uniforms and silver pom pots walk down the street there is a blue sky in the background.
Louise Knight-Gibson

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