2nd Annual Babylon Pride Parade Set For Next Month

BABYLON, NY — Following the success of the first pride parade in Babylon last year, the event will be returning once again to the village next month.

The parade will take place on Sunday, June 6 starting at 2 p.m. on Deer Park Avenue. The event will also include a closure of the village's Main Street from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

"The Village has been great and Mayor Adams has really got behind this and spearheaded our efforts," one of the event organizers, Robert Mckeown, told Patch. "We truly could not do this without the support of Mayor Adams and her staff."

Mckeown also said that the organizers met with the local highway department, fire department, and code enforcement to help arrange logistics and safety measures for the event.

"Our five-year vision is happening in just the second year," he said. "I believe we are one of only two villages or towns that are hosting anything like this for Pride Month."

The event was started last year by McKeown, a fourth-generation Babylon Village resident who lives with his wife and three children, and M. Roman, a Babylon Village resident, musician, event coordinator, host, and LGBTQ + advocate and public speaker.

In 2020, 40 cars participated in the parade and organizers plan to have no more than 45 cars, including a float, in this year's event. In addition, there were about 500 viewers last year, with more expected this year.

If you wish to enter a fully decorated vehicle for the event or want to be a sponsor, contact babylonvillagepride@gmail.com.

For more information, visit: hopefloatsli.org.