Back in April my friend Annie asked me what I was doing the weekend of June 26. I didn’t have anything planned and told her as much. “The gays are getting together and throwing me a birthday party. You should come visit me,” Annie said to me. This is how I ended up going Chicago Pride 2009.

I flew into Chicago early Friday morning. I know flying to Chicago is kind of lame, but Ihad no desire to drive and didn’t know that much about the Megabus at that time. I stayed at the swanky Affinia Hotel which as just a block from the Magnificent Mile. It was one of those once in a life time experiences where onegets the chance to stay in a four star hotel. My people—the lower middle class—don’t get such chances often and should take them when the opportunity arises.

 I met Annie later that afternoon. She suggested we meet at the Water Tower Place. Since this was only my second trip to Chicago, and my first on the Magnificent Mile, I didn’t know that the WaterTower was a glorified mall. I quickly discovered that not only were there stores on every level, but that most of them had huge sales going on. If asked to name one of my greatest weaknesses, I would have to say the ability to pass up a 75% off sale.

After shopping up and down Michigan Avenue and some food I headed back to the hotel to wait for my friend RJ to show up. We had made plans to hang out and gay it up together over the weekend. I wish I could recall all of the places we visited, but unfortunately I’ve waited too long to put these memories down to recall every detail. I know we saw Wrigley Field. It’s too bad I am not much of a baseball fan so I could be duly impressed. Of course there was the Parade,the second largest in Chicago besides the St. Patrick’s Day parade, and Boys Town. The fact that I was surrounded by what seemed like hundreds of thousands gays and lesbians is a wonderful experience for this small town gay guy. And I got the chance to see The Blue Man Group thanks to Annie.

At the street festival I had the chance to see a band The Joans thanks to Jeff Ramone. The Joans are a terrific band that finds its inspiration in Joan Crawford. There was aslo a drag show and Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. It was a great weekend spent with friends and full of fun while not being too wild and crazy. I look forward to going back in October and celebrating Halloween with my wonderful friend Annie.

For more pictures of my trip to Chicago check out the photos tab.