ROCKFORD — The third annual Rockford Area Pride Parade will have the largest number of participants in the event’s history.
The Rockford Area Pride Parade Committee announced Thursday that it has 57 entries this year, showcasing a mix of community organizations, local businesses, advocacy groups, churches, performers, schools, nonprofits and civic leaders.
“Three years ago, this committee set out to show that LGBTQIA+ people are celebrated and welcome in our city,” said Andrew Mertzenich, chairperson of the Rockford Area Pride Parade committee. “Now we are welcoming the largest parade yet, which just shows our city is growing in more ways than we ever thought possible.”…