Babylon Pride Car Parade Returns For Third Year: 'Bigger And Better'

BABYLON, NY —This Sunday will be the third annual Babylon Pride event, and the event organizers say it will the biggest yet.

The car parade started during the height of the pandemic, and has grown exponentially, Roman, co-founder of the event along with Bob McKeown, both of Babylon, told Patch.

"When we started we really didn't have any expectations. The first year we had 400, 500 people and last year we had 3,000. People are really embracing it now," they said.

The car parade with three floats kicks off at 3 p.m. on Deer Park Avenue and this year, more businesses have signed on as sponsors and as event hosts.

"It's bigger and better than ever," Roman said. "There will be more entertainment after the parade around town."

The car parade will do two loops, then Mary Carroll's pub will host a drag queen show featuring Long Island drag queens at 4 p.m. At 6 p.m. Post Office Cafe will host the official Pride after party.

Roman says that he expects a good turnout and that the event has gone well in the past, partly because Babylon residents themselves organized it.

"It's Babylonians who are throwing it—we are people who live work and raised here."

Sponsors including Lessing's Restaurant Group and Northwell Health will participate, and Roman says Babylon Village continues to be helpful and supportive of the event.

"I tell everyone, come out and be fabulous. Babylon Village is your runway, so prepare to come and strut and be your authentic self when you come to Babylon that day."