Officials promote new route of Chicago Pride Parade

City officials are touting a new route for this weekend’s Chicago Gay Pride Parade, which they say will better handle the massive crowds the parade has attracted in recent years.

Alderman Tom Tunney, in whose ward much of the parade takes place, said Tuesday it is about five blocks longer than in previous years and has fewer twists and turns.

Tunney says the need for a new route became clear last year when the parade attracted more than 700,000 people. He says this year, the parade moves on streets closer to a number of train stations, making it easier for people to arrive and leave.

The 42-year-old parade, which begins at noon on Sunday, takes place in the affluent lakefront neighborhood of Lake View.