South Side Irish Parade 2015 Survival Guide

The South Side Irish Parade is just days away, and we here at Patch have pulled together everything you need to know to make the most of the best parade in Chicago. This year’s march will include 102 entries, with 150,000 spectators expected.

The Details

• When: The parade starts at noon on Sunday, March 15
• Where: Western Avenue in Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood. The parade will begin at 103rd and Western Ave., traveling south to 115th andWestern Ave.

The Race

In its third year, The Emerald Isle Mile one-mile run sponsored by Running Excels will be held before the start of the parade. The race kicks off at 11 a.m., starting at 112th and Western Ave. and ending at 104th and Western Ave.

Parking

Street closures start at 8 a.m. on parade day and last until 3 p.m. There will be no street parking on the east side of Artesian from 103rd to 111th or on the west side of Claremont from 103rd to 107th. Side streets will also be closed in the area around the parade route. If you are driving, wear comfortable shoes because you’ll have to do some walking.

Zero-Tolerance

The parade had a two-year hiatus after rowdy crowds and heavy drinking put a damper on the one-time family event. When the parade returned, it was with a strict no drinking policy. Police and private security personnel will be out in full force stopping anyone with alcohol. The Chicago City Council two years ago even passed an ordinance that imposes harsher punishment on those caught boozing. You will also be banned from having alcohol on the Rock Island Metra before the parade.

Anyone who witnesses a crime or encounters drunk behavior during the parade should call 911.

Don’t Miss

• Grand marshal Irish American Labor Council (IALC), leading the 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. International unions and district councils with locals who are part of the Irish-American Labor Council include Boilermakers, Bricklayers, Carpenters, Cement Masons, Chicago Building Trades, Carpenters, IBEW, Ironworkers, Laborers, Machinists, Operating Engineers, Pipefitters, Plumbers, Roofers, Sheet Metal Workers, Teamsters and many more.
• Special Honoree, Chicago Police Memorial Foundation (CPMF). 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 CPMF is currently raising money for the “Get Behind The Vest” initiative. Their goal is to ensure a properly working bulletproof vest protects every Chicago police officer. Officers are given a vest when they begin on the department but are responsible for paying a portion of the cost for a replacement vest. The foundation is aiming to raise money to replace the 8,000 outdated vests in use by Chicago police officers.
• South Side Irish Parade Queen, Mary Kate Love, Beverly resident
• 2014 Chicago Rose of Tralee, Colleen Nolan
• 2014 IHSA Boys Basketball State Champions, Morgan Park High School
• 16 total pipe and marching bands
• 4 Irish dance schools
• Clydesdales
• Irish Wolf Hounds
• Vintage fire trucks
• Leprechauns