Get Your Green on at South Side Irish Pre-Parade Party Feb. 21

The South Side Irish Parade Committee will host i’s annual pre-parade fundraiser this Saturday, February 21. The party features food, drinks, a silent auction, raffle prizes and the selection of the South Side Irish Parade Queen. The event runs from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. and will be held at 115 Bourbon Street 3359 West 115th Street, Merrionette Park, IL, 60803.

Tickets for the pre-parade fundraiser cost $30 and can be purchased online or at the door. Tickets include a dinner buffet, draft beer, wine, pop and live music from the Larkin and Moran Brothers and Sean & Charlie. 2015 South Side Irish Parade merchandise and street pole banners will also be available for purchase.

“It’s hard to believe but parade day is almost here and we are excited to begin the festivities,” said Tom McGourty, chairman of the South Side Irish Parade Committee. “The pre-parade fundraiser is not only a fun event but it is also essential for raising funds to keep this wonderful tradition operating in the future,” added McGourty.

Among the many highlights of the fundraiser is the selection of the South Side Irish Parade Queen. The South Side Irish Parade Queen will be prominently featured during the South Side Irish Parade and ride in the downtown Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade. A panel of judges will interview contestants at 5 p.m. at 115 Bourbon Street just one hour ahead of the South Side Irish pre-parade fundraiser. The South Side Irish Parade Queen will be announced later in the evening. Interested young ladies of Irish descent between the ages of 18-27 are encouraged to apply. Please see www.chicagoroseoftralee.com for an application.

The Irish American Labor Council (IALC) will serve as the Grand Marshal for the 2015 South Side Irish Parade. A committee of the AFL-CIO, the IALC is focused on improving and promoting social and community welfare. The council also participates in issues of importance to Irish Immigrants in Chicago.

The Chicago Police Memorial Foundation (CPMF) is the 2015 Honoree. The not-for-profit organization is dedicated to honoring the lives of our fallen heroes. The foundation provides support and assistance to the families of Chicago police officers who are killed or catastrophically injured in the line of duty.

The parade will step off at Noon on Sunday, March 15 at 103rd Street and Western Avenue. Despite below freezing temperature, the 2014 parade featured 100 entries and attracted more than 125,000 spectators. The zero tolerance alcohol policy will remain in strict force to ensure a continued safe, family-friendly celebration of community and Irish heritage.

WAYS TO SUPPORT PARADE:

South Side Irish Parade merchandise can be purchased at South Side Irish Imports. South Side Irish Parade gear will be available at both of their locations, 3446 W. 111th St. Chicago, IL 60655 and 7725 W. 159th St. Tinley Park, IL 60477. For every piece of South Side Irish Parade merchandise sold in stores, South Side Irish Imports will donate $1 to the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation.

The Emerald Isle Mile continues to be part of the family friendly South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade pre-activities. The one-mile run will begin at 11:00 a.m. the morning of the parade at 112th and Western Ave and end at Running Excels, located at 104th and Western Avenue near the Parade’s stepping off point. Registration for the race is available online or at the South Side Irish Parade Pre-Parade Fundraiser.