Chicago City Wire

Maria Hadden, alderperson of Chicago’s 49th Ward, canceled the annual Pride North street festival in Rogers Park less than 24 hours before it was scheduled to begin, leading some residents and business owners to question the timing and handling of the decision.

The festival, typically held on Glenwood Avenue between Lunt and Morse avenues, was scheduled for Saturday, June 28. News of the cancellation was shared by Hadden in a Facebook post.

“In sad news, the annual Pride North festival that usually takes place on Glenwood Ave between Lunt and Morse is cancelled this year,” Hadden said on Facebook. “This event has long been a great alternative to Lakeview Pride activities for folks looking to have a more local option. It’s been wonderful to have this event in Rogers Park and I hope that we can find a way to have it return next year.”

Some residents questioned why the public was not informed earlier and whether there were steps Hadden could have taken to prevent the cancellation.

“I hate your petty tone," Rogers Park resident Dan Molinelli wrote in response to Hadden’s post. "Some expression of sympathy would help dispel the feeling that there is some schadenfreude in your announcement and that this is partly personal on your part. Why did you wait so long to announce this?” 

Others raised concerns about the timing of the cancellation.

Sources familiar with the planning process said the final denial came late in the afternoon on Friday, June 21.

“Alderwoman Maria Hadden (is) interesting,” Jeff Baker wrote. “The organizer, who filled the permit months ago, said that you waited til 3:30PM yesterday before calling him and saying ‘I’m denying the permit.’”

Christopher Rosario, a community member, called the cancellation “highly suspicious,” and said it “raises real questions about transparency and accountability.”

“Situations like this don’t usually fall apart overnight,” Rosario said. “And it’s hard to believe this is as simple as ‘permits weren’t filed in time.’” 

Some comments on social media suggested that the alderperson could have used her authority to keep the event on track.

“The Alderperson has the power to approve block party permits,” Michael Nudo wrote. 

Some observers also noted a long-running personal rift between Hadden and the event’s organizer, Colm Treacy, owner of the Glenwood who previously employed her as a waitress, a job from which she was fired. 

Critics suggest that history may have influenced the handling of the situation.

“Glenwood?? Is that the place Maria got fired from back in the day?” Elizabeth Beam wrote. 

For some, Hadden’s actions have had lasting political implications.

“Remember this when it's (time) to vote her out (of) office,” Tim Sable wrote.

For many, the abrupt cancellation of the event has reignited criticism, with residents accusing Hadden of favoritism and a lack of support for local institutions. 

In recent weeks, disillusioned community members and business owners have described a pattern of intimidation, selective enforcement and uneven governance in the 49th Ward.

Just last week, Le Piano—a popular jazz club in Rogers Park—was fined $5,000 by the City of Chicago for placing a grand piano on a pedestrian street, prompting backlash and highlighting broader frustrations with Hadden's treatment of cultural spaces.

One longtime business owner, speaking anonymously, alleged that Hadden promotes businesses that offer personal perks and uses city departments to retaliate against critics. 

Concerns about rising crime, poor police relations and limited transparency have only intensified public dissatisfaction.

Residents say dissent has been met with intimidation, doxxing or online harassment, while city services continue to decline. Concerns about rising crime, political favoritism and censorship on official platforms have deepened community frustration. 

Many now fear retaliation for speaking out publicly, adding to a growing chorus accusing Hadden of contributing to the neighborhood’s deterioration.