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LGBTQ+ pride was in full effect at Babylon Village’s first-ever Pride car parade Sunday afternoon.
Dozens of cars rode throughout the downtown — all decked out in rainbow decorations, Pride flags, and with speakers blasting pop music for everyone participating and watching to dance along to.
Hundreds gathered along the streets to watch the spectacle and celebrate Pride Month in Babylon Village.
The parade lasted from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. and was organized by village local Bob McKeown and singer Roman in collaboration with the Babylon Village Chamber of Commerce.
At the start of the event, the participants met in the parking lot behind Fitness Incentive to put on the finishing touches to their parade cars and floats.
McKeown spoke to the crowd about the importance of showing acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community youth of Babylon Village.
“The biggest thing emotionally for me with this was a lot of the high school students that reached back to us that truly felt that, although the community was accepted, it was never celebrated,” McKeown said.
Roman touched on the history behind Pride and the Stonewall uprising — which happened over 50 years ago on June 28, 1969.
“We are literally making history, today 50 years ago Stonewall was a big thing and now we’re making it here in Babylon Village, we’re coming together,” Roman said. “This shows the diversity of our community, it’s about time that the LGBTQ+ community is noticed: we see you, we love you, I’m so proud and happy to be a part of this town with all of you.”
The speeches followed by the National Anthem, sung by Joey Nicosia, amongst the many Pride flags.
The car parade rode through East Main Street, passing Gemelli’s, the Boutique and Hitch LI, and then drove down Deer Park Avenue to Lily Flanagan’s and back around.
Popular songs from Madonna, Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, and more echoed through the entire downtown, while those on the sidewalks danced and sang along — many waving Pride flags of their own in support of the celebration.
Below are photos from Babylon Village’s Pride event.
