Chicago’s 50th Pride Parade hits the streets — until the storm rolls in

Marchers at Chicago’s 50th annual Pride Parade on Sunday.

Some people go to a parade for the floats.

Some go because they’re in it.

But always, always, someone is there for the candy — and someone is usually handing it out.

Chicago’s 50th annual Pride Parade got underway Sunday afternoon, with participants stepping off at Broadway and Montrose about noon.

Among the floats was one from the Chicago Cubs, which featured children dancing — and, of course, Cubs volunteers handing candy and “love” stickers to the crowd that filled the sidewalk along the route.

This year’s parade also had, for the first time, seven grand marshals.

Among them was Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, the city’s first openly gay mayor. She also is the first mayor to ride a float in the parade.

The other grand marshals: Molly Pinta, 13, who lives in Buffalo Grove, where she organized her own pride parade; Joel Hall, founder of the Joel Hall Dance Company; Jim Flint, owner of the Baton Show Lounge; Marge Summit, owner of the His ‘n Hers bar; and Chuck Adams and Gwyn Ciesla of Indivisible Aurora.

A thunderstorm that moved in about 2:15 p.m. caused spectators and marchers to seek cover as parade vehicles continued down the route.

By 2:35 p.m., police had officially postponed the parade and urged parade-goers to seek shelter. By 3 p.m., it had been canceled.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Parade workers hand items out to the crowd at Chicago’s Pride Parade on Sunday.

The Chicago Cubs float in Sunday’s Pride Parade. | Annie Geng/Sun-Times

Onlookers line the route of Sunday’s Pride Parade, the 50th held in Chicago.