First it rained, then it stormed, then it rained and stormed some more all over the Chicago area.  Groups questioned whether the parade would happen at all—raining hard and lots of water standing in some places.  Some people canceled because their groups couldn’t make it to drop-off points to come downtown together.

I left at 6:30, picked up Friends Fran and Janice and drove to the set up sites downtown in a hard rain with some lightning.  The rained slowed down shortly after we got there and by 9:00 had stopped altogether.  The parade of course would march rain or shine so we put up check-in tents in the rain at 7:30, then I went to Daley plaza where the parade would end.  The tents for supporters were there, people were putting signs, tables, chairs, stage in place.   All working in still a bit of rain until it stopped about 8:30 or so.

BY 10:00 people did arrive and while we really missed those who could not come, we certainly understood their concerns and sympathized with their decisions.  At this point the parade takes on a life of its own and always WILL happen no matter what.  The police stopped traffic in our setup area, floats arrived we began organizing them.  People checked-in all excited that the rain had stopped and the storm clouds had disappeared.

I had originally wanted to march with friends in Group 20 but was unable to because I had spent much energy transporting, moving boxes, setting up chairs, and mostly walking.  I waited with Fran at Daley Plaza for the parade to arrive. 

At 11:04 I could see the lead groups in the distance on Dearborn.  IT HAD BEGUN ON TIME AS USUAL             The Justin Dart Puppet was right there complete with his chair, infamous cowboy hat and glasses that somehow never seemed to be up on his nose properly.  Dart is our hero and pushed hard at the very highest level for passage of the American with Disabilities Act. 

The parade included not only the Dart puppet, but a marching band complete with baton expert.  I have a video of the band’s arrival. Photographer was filming all along the way. 

The celebration began at 12:00 and continued until 2:30.  Our Grand Marshal, Eli Clare, gave a rousing speech that encouraged us to include all minorities in our work because we are really working for civil rights for ALL of those who still don’t have those rights—immigrants, blacks, gays, lesbians, disabled and able-bodied—the work goes on.

The music and entertainment held people in place almost until 2:00.  

The steering committee had dedicated the parade to Barb.  They then surprised me by handing out not one Dan Van Hecke Award, but a second on to me for Barb!  It is a beautiful plaque that I will hang in my home from now on. 

The rain never returned.  Our prayers for a beautiful day had been answered.  By 1:15 the clouds had completely disappeared and it was hot in the sun.

IT was a beautiful, well planned and executed parade and celebration.  Our pride in ourselves and our community was obvious all day.  Barb would have been much pleased with how it actually turned out. 

Now it’s Sunday morning and I’m tired but very happy about it. 

As for me, I enjoyed the whole thing and took some good pictures and met new people found friends I hadn’t seen in a year, ate then came home and collapsed to sleep solid for 5 hours.  I’ll probably sleep more now as it is only 5:00 AM here.

Love and Hugs with pride in my community and the many volunteers who made the parade happen for Barb and for so many other disabled folks from all over the city, country, and world. 

Larry