Irish Eyes Smile On Western Avenue For 2023 South Side Irish Parade

CHICAGO — It was one of the colder, damper South Side Irish Parades on record, but that didn’t stop more than 75,000 families and friends lining Western Avenue for the largest community-based St. Patrick’s Day parades outside of Dublin, Ireland.

More than 100 entries marched down a packed Western Avenue through the Beverly and Morgan Park neighborhoods. Organizers said this year’s attendance was down slightly from last year due to the return of a wintry March day.

The parade took on a solemn tone as the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation walked with a banner honoring Chicago Police Officer Andres Vasquez-Lasso, who died in the line of duty on March 1. Many of the floats and participants carried signs honoring the young officer whose funeral was last week.

The Grand Marshals of this year’s parade honored the Chicago Police Department Chaplain Ministry and the Chicago Fire Department Chaplain.

“The Chicago Police and Fire Chaplains go above and beyond serving the community, supporting both retired and active officers, firefighters, and their families in the most difficult times,” said parade chair Marianne Rowan Leslie in a news release. “The chaplains have had to reach out often during the past few weeks, comforting families and generating greater awareness for the dangerous role that police officers and firefighters have in Chicago today.”

The parade recognizes police officers who have paid the greatest sacrifice, losing their lives in the line of duty. This year, Officer Carols Yanez who has been recovering from his injuries incurred in 2021 not only participated in this year’s Parade, but was able to walk the entire mile-long parade. Yanez continues to work hard on his recovery, drawing strength from faith, family and community.

The Beverly Area Planning Association, celebrating its 75th year, was the Parade’s Honoree. BAPA is a grassroots civic organization that serves to unify residents, institutions, and businesses in the Beverly Hills/Morgan Park community through the motto “Love Where you Live.”

“I am incredibly proud of everyone in our community who comes together year after year to make this amazing parade happen,” Leslie said. “From our committee and volunteers to everyone lining the parade route, I’d like to say thank you for helping us celebrate family, community, and Irish heritage.”

Other highlights of the 2023 South Side Irish Parade included its Queen, Nora Doyle, who grew up in the Beverly neighborhood and is an alumna of St. Cajetan School, Marist High School, and College of Saint Benedict in St. Joseph, Minn. Doyle walked in the parade with her Irish dance school until she was a senior in high school. She continues to teach Irish dance in her spare time.

CPD Officer Danny Golden, who was left paralyzed last summer in a shooting when he tried to break up a bar fight while off duty, rode in a Jeep, festooned with a “19th Ward Salutes Officer Andres Vasquez-Lasso” sign. His family also had a float, “South Side Irish - Your Love and Support Is Golden.”

Brother Rice alum and WGN midday co-anchor Patrick Elwood, who resides in Evergreen Park, rode on the WGN float with childhood idol Bozo.

The IHSA state champion Mount Carmel Caravan football team marched in the parade, while Leo, Morgan Park, Brother Rice-Mother McAuley high bands dazzled. Neighborhood parishes and elementary schools were also represented, including St. Cajatan, St. John Fisher, Most Holy Redeemer, St. Linus, St. Gerald, St. Catherine of Alexandria and Queen of Martyrs-St. Bernadette were among those that we saw.

The parade is generously supported by major sponsors (mentioned here, so they’ll support the parade next year) including: County Fair Foods, Flood Brothers, OSF Little Company of Mary Medical Center, Mercedes Benz of Orland Park, Ozinga, the Chicago White Sox, the Hilton Chicago/OakLawn, Express Med Spa, The Beverly Review, Home Run Inn Beverly, Lakeshore Beverage, Guinness, BudLight, Green River, Marquette Bank, South Side Irish Imports and Local 399, Local 150 and Local 11.

Several new supporters were also added this year including Dunkin Donuts, the official Parade coffee; Tullamore D.E.W., the official parade Irish Whiskey; NASCAR, the Chicago Street Race, Union Life Insurance Company, Megent Financial, Chicago City Soccer Club and Athlextex Physical Therapy. Sponsor contributions are all appreciated each year as more companies opt to become a part of the parade’s positive community outreach.

The parade is operated by the South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Heritage Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, where more than 100 volunteers work year-round to ensure this family-friendly celebration continues for future generations.