Chicago pride parade pays tribute to Orlando victims

CHICAGO (AP) - Chicago's 47th pride parade has taken place with the same enthusiasm of previous years despite tributes everywhere to victims of the Orlando nightclub attack two weeks.

Nearly 1 million spectators were expected at Sunday's event and many marchers found ways to remember the 49 who died.

Two carried a banner saying, "Chicago-Orlando, In Solidarity." Others sported T-shirts with the hashtag, "#WeAreOrlando." Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel wore a shirt that read, "Disarm Hate."

Forty-nine marchers led the parade holding a photograph of a different victim.

The procession began with a minute's silence. But the solemnity quickly gave way to cheers and high-energy music blaring from speakers along the route.

Joe Conklin rode on one float. The 74-year-old said participants were mindful of the Orlando tragedy "but not overwhelmed by it."