Berwyn, IL ( June 2019 ) For the third year in a row, the City of Berwyn is preparing for their annual Pride Walk along Berwyn's historic Depot District on Saturday, June 29, 2019. The family friendly event aims to celebrate the growing LGBTQ+ community, as well as the thriving diversity in Berwyn. Participants will meet at the James Joyce Irish Pub ( 7138 W Windsor Ave ) at 2:00pm and will march along the Depot District with a ceremonial gathering at Karasek Park ( 6844 W Windsor Ave ). There will be an after party at Lavergne's Tavern ( 6546 W Windsor Ave ) following the march.
What started off as a small gathering of 20 residents in 2017, the Pride Walk has quickly grown to over 300 hundred LGBTQ+ members and allies in 2018. Mayor Robert J. Lovero said, "Berwyn's annual Pride Walk showcases how Berwyn is a community that welcomes and embraces diversity. Neighbors of all backgrounds walk side by side with our LGBTQ+ community showing Berwyn's unity."
The event will take place in Berwyn's downtown area, the historic Depot District in the 1st ward. 1st Ward Alderman Scott Lennon shared, "This walk is truly what Berwyn is all about. What came from a small idea among friends and later evolved to an all-around grassroots community event is truly amazing. It's great to see neighbors, friends and families come together to celebrate diversity in our community."
New this year, the Berwyn United Neighborhood Gay and Lesbian Organization ( BUNGALO ) will be hosting a Pride in the Park Picnic from 11:00am to 1:00pm at Proksa Park on Saturday, June 29. The free family friendly event encourages guests to bring a potluck item to share among friends and neighbors, as well as enjoy complimentary food before heading to the Pride Walk kick off. David Olsen, one of the organizers, noted, "This picnic is a great way to celebrate the diversity of our community and how far we have come."
The Berwyn Park District is supporting both events by hosting Pride Picnic in the Park at Proksa Park and the Pride Walk ceremony at Karasek Park. Berwyn Park District Executive Director Jeff Janda shared, "Berwyn is about diversity and inclusion. We embrace all our residents and are happy to support events that help bring people together."
For more information, follow the Pride Walk event on Facebook ( Website Link Here ) and the BUNGALO Pride in the Park Picnic event on Facebook ( Website Link Here ) .
Throughout the month of June, Berwyn will celebrate the LGBTQ+ community by raising a Pride flag at Berwyn's City Hall and the Berwyn Park District. Local businesses are showing their support by being an event sponsor, incorporating Pride into their logos, and many have themed items available for purchase around Berwyn. The Urban Mutt will have Pride pet bandanas available for sale, Crazy Panda's Biker Gear is taking custom necklace orders, and T-shirts are being sold by Megan Lee Designs, Rafael Nieves Designer Guy and Chance to Dance. There will be a limited supply of Megan Lee Design T-shirts available for purchase at the JLH Craft & Vintage Market on June 15 at Friendly Coffee Lounge. Additionally, the Berwyn Public Library will be hosting a Pride Storytime celebrating LGBTQ+ families on Monday, June 10 at 6:30pm.
In 2017, Berwyn City Council passed a Welcoming City Ordinance and in the same year declared June as Pride Month. In 2018, the City of Berwyn proclaimed October as LGBT History Month. The City of Berwyn has also participated in the Northalsted Market Days every August in addition to hosting the Pride Walk.
About the Berwyn Development Corporation
The Berwyn Development Corporation ( BDC ) markets Berwyn regionally and nationally as a prime business and leisure destination. We are here to promote Berwyn's energy and culture to visitors and residents and to create unique development opportunities for business. The BDC is a public-private partnership with the City of Berwyn that provides economic development and Chamber of Commerce services to all segments of the Berwyn community. We are a not-for-profit membership organization that serves over 300 businesses and individuals. The BDC continually strives to develop new programs, services and events that promote the community. For more information, visit whyberwyn.com or follow the BDC at facebook.com/WhyBerwyn, twitter.com/WhyBerwyn andinstagram.com/WhyBerwyn .
—From a press release
