With moderate wind speeds, area families gathered in Hamlin Park Saturday to fly colorful handmade and ready-made kites with pride.
Saturday’s event was just one of many offered by the Skokie Park District and the Skokie Public Library during June in honor of Pride Month and the LGBTQ+ community.
Rick Flintz, Devonshire Cultural Center’s program supervisor, said instead of one single large-scale Skokie pride event, like was held in 2019, this year’s celebration takes place all month long. Both organizations are offering a series of mini-events.
“People are enthusiastic about not being confined indoors and getting to do activities outside again, this free event lets them have a bit of fun for a couple of hours while taking part in our community celebration,” Flintz said.
The move away from one large event was made in an effort to adhere to COVID-19 health regulations, Flintz said.
The fields of Hamlin Park provided plenty of open space for social distancing and kids could take part in a kite-making craft or families could also bring their own kites to fly.
Katie Romeo of Skokie attended with her family.
“It’s nice to spend time with other gay families in the community and fun for the kids to fly their kites in honor of pride month.” Romeo said.
A link to month long pride events offered through Skokie Park District skokieparks.org/skokie-pride/.
Gina Grillo is a freelance reporter.