Pride Drive Parade Returns Sunday In Buffalo Grove

BUFFALO GROVE, IL — When an event is held one year and it's a success, organizers often make sure a second year happens. When an event reaches a third year, it becomes a tradition. Such is the case of the Buffalo Grove Pride Parade, which returns from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday.

Like in 2020 due to the coronavirus, this year's event will be held as a Buffalo Grove Pride Drive where attendees can stay in their cars and drive around town to check out the decorated homes of participating residents.

The event is organized by The Pinta Pride Project, a nonprofit "aimed to increase LGBT+ awareness within suburban communities." Molly Pinta was a 12-year-old student at Twin Groves Middle School when she decided her hometown desperately needed a parade to celebrate the LGBTQ community. With the help of her parents, Molly formed The Pinta Pride Project to "keep pride coming to Buffalo Grove every year and to support other young people in bringing their own events." Among Molly's goals with the organization is to make gay normal and seen.

Residential lawns will be decorated with pride decor, balloon art by Balloons by Tommy, music, rainbow treats and more, according to the event's website. A map of participants is available there.

Organizers ask attendees to bookend their trip around town at the Pride Drive Headquarters located along the blue route at 711 Thompson Blvd. BG Pride apparel and gear will be available for sale.

Organizers are hopeful the traditional Buffalo Grove Pride Parade established in 2019 will return next summer.

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