Hundreds of people attended pride parades in Crystal Lake and Buffalo Grove over the weekend but organizers say “rage baiters” showed up to disrupt the peace in Crystal Lake.
Crystal Lake Pride, an independent non-profit organization, held its third annual pride celebration event on Sunday.
The event began with a parade walk through downtown Crystal Lake followed by a community social at the Brink Street Market with a “pride court,” a food court and beer tent and live music.
Organizers say the mission of Crystal Lake Pride is to “break down stigmas and educate the community, while always remaining respectful of the neighborhoods in which we live and work.”
“This event is something to be proud of,” said Jim Tomasek, Board President of Crystal Lake Pride.
“We have worked hard to curate a fun experience that is truly respectful of our neighborhood. Whether you are a member of the queer community or want to show support for your neighbors who are, this is an event for you!”
Organizers say the annual event, held on Sunday, is designed to promote solidarity and unity among friends and neighbors.
The event was attended by Crystal Lake Mayor Haig Hailblian, who spoke before the parade walk.
He read off a proclamation that he previously signed last month declaring June 2026 as “Pride Month.”
The proclamation said that the City of Crystal Lake was committed to supporting visibility, dignity and equality for LGBTQ+ people in the “diverse community.”
“While society at large increasingly supports LGBTQ+ equality, it is essential to acknowledge that the need for education and awareness remains vital to end discrimination and prejudice,” Hailblian said in the proclamation.
Crystal Lake Pride said it was an “absolutely incredible day” with great weather and a big community show out.
“​Seeing the beautiful display of local churches, amazing non-profits, and fantastic vendors all coming together was incredibly moving. The music was great, the energy was electric, and the vibes were completely on point all day long,” the organization said.
Crystal Lake Pride said there was a moment where “some rage-baiters showed up trying to disrupt our peace, but you all handled it with absolute grace.”
“A massive, heartfelt thank you to everyone for staying calm, staying true to who we are, and protecting each other. You proved that love will always drown out the noise. ​Remember: There is no room for hate in this house,” they said.
Jay Lee, who attended the event, took a video of a group of “bigots who tried to ruin” the event.
He said they were “clear Christian white nationalists” and speaking out against transgender, gay and lesbian people. Lee, who is Hispanic, said the group also told him to “go back to Mexico.”
The Northwest Herald reported that several hundred people attended the Crystal Lake Pride event.
In Lake County, BG Pride and the Pinta Pride Project’s annual Buffalo Grove Pride Parade was also held on Sunday and drew a large number of attendees.
The parade began at Buffalo Grove Road and Aptakisic Road and traveled south before heading west on Deerfield Parkway and ending at McHenry Road.
State Representative Nicolle Grasse said she participated and saw “so many” District 53 constituents and community neighbors there.
“Pride is a declaration that every person deserves to live openly, safely, and with dignity. That’s why the work we do in Springfield matters, protections against discrimination, access to affirming healthcare, schools where every child is respected. These aren’t partisan issues. They’re about whether people in our community get to show up fully as themselves, at the parade and every other day of the year,” Grasse said.
U.S. Congressman Brad Schneider said he also took part in the parade. “We will always celebrate the diversity, inclusion, and sense of community that make our district so strong.”
“Pride is a reminder that everyone deserves to be seen, valued, and treated with dignity and respect. As we celebrate the progress we’ve made, we also must continue to commit ourselves to building a future where every person can live authentically and without fear,” Schneider said.