Grand marshals CircuitMOM and CircuitSON rode by atop The GoodBus, while the Windy City Jeep Club revved down the street. Lakeside Pride marched steadily to the beat of their drums and Chicago Spirit Brigade formed human pyramids to entertain the spectators. Chicago Full Moon Jam provided pyrotechnics.
Performers Molly and Alex sang classic cover songs and DJ Brady R Prince played upbeat tunes on the stage before contest finalists were named.
NBC Chicago personality Matthew Rodrigues and drag artist Batty Davis were the hosts throughout the evening, with a total of $4,000 up for grabs in five different categories. A one-year-old dressed as the killer doll Chucky took first place and $500 for youth under 13. A homemade Beetlejuice costume won first place for creativity. A Gargoyle flew away with first place in the scary category and Candyland inspired costumes won for best couple. Stephen King’s It clown and his friends triumphed in the three or more group category taking home $1,000 to split among the trio.
Vendors in the 7-Eleven parking lot included Bacardi, Patron Tequila, NRG Energy, Food Rocket and Green Mountain Energy Company.
The celebration continued for many as they moved indoors to nearby bars and taverns. Be sure to look for future festivities from the Halsted Area Merchants Association at http://NortHalsted.com.