Chicago police cancel days off ahead of 2024 Pride Parade NBC Chicago [Video]

Bars, restaurants, and businesses in Chicago’s Lakeview were prepared and ready for one of the largest pride parades in the country — with two days to go.

“We’re very excited,” said Brad Balof, general manager of Sidetrack. “It’s been such an amazing Pride Month. We’ve had some amazing great weekends.”

Balof told NBC Chicago the business was bracing for large crowds, with more than a million people expected to line the parade route for the 53rd annual celebration.

“We’ve definitely seen a growth in the celebration of pride and people wanting to participate in Pride, whether it’s personal, business, or corporate level,” he said.

Chicago Police Department Superintendent Larry Snelling outlined the department’s safety plan on Friday morning, saying officers will be visible from start to finish.

“We’re going to have a large number of officers,” Snelling said. “I wouldn’t necessarily put a number on it because we shift, and we make changes based on things that happen.”

Snelling said days off for officers …