Thousands of individuals came out in force to attend the annual Montrose Rocks Pride event June 24 after the parade at Montrose Beach.
The event underwent some drama, as it has been announced two days prior that it would not occur. However, there was a swift turnaround, allowing the event to take place for another year.
Among this year's highlights were various entertainers. Mz. Ruff 'n Stuff was among the hosts.
The Rocks Coordinating Committee was founded as an official organizing committee in 1991 by Clubhouse Nightclub owners and life partners, Samuel Franklin Davis, Jr. (Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame inductee, 1994) and Bob Yeaworth. Original organizers included Renae Ogletree (Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame inductee), Charles Nelson (Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame inductee), Sidney Thomas, Michael O'Connor, Renee' Davis and Marc Loveless.
The unofficial event started in 1977 at the Belmont Rocks. In 1996, the organization became a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.
Photos by Vern Hester.