PEORIA, Ill. — June is National Pride Month and while Peoria Proud can not have parade, they thought of another plan.
Trevor Neff, Vice President of Business for Peoria Proud, said this year they will have Pride Ride.
“It is all car based. We only expect 10 to 15 cars to be doing this. We are just making it more known to the public,” Neff said.
Unlike a typical parade, no one will be walking outside of the vehicles and items will not be thrown out to bystanders.
“It’s more of a way to drive around the Peoria area and be visible, and kick off pride month,” Neff said.
Neff said that people are still encouraged to line the Pride Ride route and celebrate safely.
“We’re beginning at Lit. On Fire on Sheridan, and then taking Main St. up past One World, going on Moss Ave. and snaking through the Bradley campus area,” Neff said.
“Then, off to Imago Dei which is on University.”
Designated parking spots will be at he Imago Dei Church for people to park and celebrate.
“We will have hot spots for them to stand in, like within the guidelines of COVID-19,” Neff said.
Staff and volunteers with be at the event, regulating and making sure attendees are following social distancing guidelines.
“We are inviting people but if you don’t feel comfortable coming and being a part of that, just come and join the parade and then go your way afterwards,” Neff said.
Neff said it is still important for the event to follow through.
“We’re just trying to keep it very positive and light, and let people know that we are following the rules” Neff said.
Neff said that virtual events will be held every weekend, and they wanted the public to know that Peoria Proud is still moving forward with Pride Month.
The parade will be on Sunday, May 31 and begin at 1:00 p.m.
