Parking Restrictions and Security Measures Released for 2016 South Side Irish Parade

Parking restrictions and security measures for the South Side Irish Parade on March 13 have been released. The parade will step off at noon and proceed down Western AVenue from 103rd Street to 115th Street.

A zero tolerance policy will be in effect for public use or alcohol on parade day. Fines of up to $1,000 for open containers of alcohol will strictly be enforced. Passengers will also be banned from bringing alcohol on Metra Rock Island trains on parade day, parade organizers said..

In addition, security checkpoints staffed by private security and the Chicago Police Department surrounding the parade route.

The following street parking bans will be in effect Sunday, March 13:

• No parking will be allowed on Western Avenue from 99th to 119th beginning at 6 a.m.
• There will be no street parking on the east side of Artesian from 103rd to 111th streets beginning at 8 a.m. and ending at 3 p.m.
• On all east/west streets leading to Western Ave. between 103rd and 115th, expect portions of the street to be closed within 75 feet of Western Avenue or between the first alleyway and Western Avenue.
• The parking restrictions end at 3 p.m. Residents are encouraged to email the parade committee at info@southsideirishparade.org if they need alternate parking arrangements.
• Expect vehicular traffic to be restricted on side streets surrounding Western Avenue by 9 or 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
• Residential parking only will be allowed in the area surrounding the parade route.

Also, per the South Side Irish Parade committee, bars and schools that coordinate visits into the neighborhood have been contacted and discouraged from chartering buses to the area. Any buses that wish to come into the area near the parade will need a permit. Buses will be directed to specific drop-off/pick-up points designated by the Chicago Police Department and surrounding suburbs.

Any buses transporting individuals other than parade participants will be directed to a drop-off area near Evergreen Plaza. Security officials will be patrolling the area and enforcing the zero-tolerance on alcohol policy.

For more information on parade parking restrictions and security, visit the South Side Irish Parade Facebook page.

This story has been updated with new information.