Local Nonprofit Hosts Home Decor Contest To Cap Off Pride Month

BOLINGBROOK, IL — To cap off Pride Month, a local nonprofit is hosting a special contest for Bolingbrook and Romeoville residents Sunday.

From noon to 4 p.m., people are eligible to compete in Show Your Pride: Home Edition, a home décor contest organized by Bolingbrook Pride, as they cover their houses in rainbows and love. There will be music, rainbow treats, and more. Those passing by can wave to people outside their homes or drive around to check out all the decorations.

"We'll offer all the fun of a Pride parade, from the convenience of your own vehicle," said Allaina Humphreys, planning committee co-chair of Bolingbrook Pride.

Bolingbrook Pride was formed in early 2018 as a grassroot, community-led organization. From the very beginning, it has been committed to promoting inclusion, unity, acceptance, open dialogue, and unconditional love in a time when these values are sometimes difficult to come by.

The nonprofit has worked tirelessly to "come up with ways to reach out to those who are struggling during the pandemic, and encouraged intersectionality and solidarity with the Black community during their current struggle," said Josh King-Slowinski, Bolingbrook Pride Board and Planning Committee lead.

The Sunday decorating contest will be judged in three categories:

• Use of color to show your pride
• Use of materials: balloons, flags, lights, ribbon, music etc.
• Level of energy and engagement, such as whooping it up and encouraging donations

Judges will award up to 20 points per category, and one point for each item picked up for the food drive. Participants will accept non-perishable food items to be donated to a local food pantry and agree to provide their address so everyone can admire their creations.

The winner will receive a plaque and two free tickets to the Over the Rainbow Gayla to be held on Sept. 19.

Check here on Saturday for the map listing the locations of decorated homes.