Chicago gears up for Pride Parade amid increased security measures, community excitement [Video]

CHICAGO – Marching under the theme “Pride is Power,” massive crowds will converge on Lake View and Lincoln Park this weekend for Chicago’s iconic Pride Parade.

As this year’s participants prepare for Sunday, the Chicago Police Department is doing the same. CPD has canceled officers’ days off to make sure there are enough eyes along the entire parade route while also maintaining their presence in high-crime areas across the city.

On Sunday, more than one million participants and parade-goers will gather for the grand finale of Pride Month in the Windy City.

It’s among the oldest Pride parades in the world – the first held in 1970 on the first anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising.

“This is always an incredibly special time of year for us,” said Ald. Bennett Lawson (44th Ward). “This year is 53 years of our parade.”

This summer’s parade will be several blocks shorter than years’ past – stepping …