South Side Irish Parade Pre-Parade Fundraiser Set for Feb. 25

CHICAGO, IL -- One of Chicago’s most well-known traditions, the South Side Irish Parade, will kick off the festivities with a pre-parade fundraiser on Saturday, Feb. 25. The event will feature raffle prizes, a silent auction, the South Side Irish Parade Queen Selection, live Irish music and much more. The party will be held from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at 115 Bourbon Street, 3359 West 115th St., Merrionette Park..

Tickets are $30 when pre-purchased online or $40 at the door. Admission includes a dinner buffet, draft beer and wine. The Larkin & Moran Brothers and Sean & Charlie will provide live music inside the 115 Bourbon Street Performance Hall. The fundraiser will also feature Irish traditional music sessions inside The Saloon offering a quieter approach.

“The pre-parade fundraiser has become a can’t miss event as we kick off festivities surrounding the South Side Irish Parade,” said Jeannie Kovak, co-chair of the South Side Irish Parade Committee. “Our parade is the largest neighborhood-based St. Patrick’s Day Parade outside of Ireland and the money raised at this event is critical in order to keep our celebration of faith, family, community and Irish heritage marching on,” added Kovak.

South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade merchandise including pint glasses, stemless wine glasses and toasting glasses will be available for purchase. Parade apparel from South Side Irish Imports will also be available for purchase at the pre-parade fundraiser and through St. Patrick’s Day. South Side Irish Imports is located at 3446 W. 111th St. Chicago.

Families or businesses looking for a unique way to celebrate their Irish heritage may purchase customized street pole banners that line the parade route and into the neighborhood.

Proceeds from the evening and merchandise help support the parade set for Sunday, March 12. The parade will step off at noon from 103rd and Western and proceed down Western Avenue through the Beverly/Morgan Park neighborhood to 115th street.

The South Side Irish Parade Queen Selection will be announced at the Pre-Parade Party. The South Side Irish Parade Queen will be prominently featured in the South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade and also ride in the downtown Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Interested young ladies of Irish descent between the ages of 18-27 are encouraged to apply. Visit the Chicago Rose of Tralee for an application.

The South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee sponsors the South Side Irish Parade Queen to compete in the Chicago Rose of Tralee selection as the South Side Irish Rose. The winner of the Chicago Rose of Tralee will receive an all-expense paid trip to Ireland for the experience of a lifetime and chance to represent Chicago in the televised event in Tralee, Ireland. The mission of the Chicago Rose of Tralee is to provide enrichment opportunities that will encourage young women of Irish descent to be exemplary role models for tomorrow’s youth and to make a positive difference in the world.

The Emerald Isle Mile returns in 2017. The one-mile run will begin at 11:30 a.m. the morning of the parade, March 12, at 104th and Western Avenue and runs the parade route ending at 112th and Western Avenue. For more information, contact Running Excels at 773-629-8587 or visit Running Excels.

Visit the South Side Irish Parade for more information on parade glassware, street pole banners, the pre-parade fundraiser.

Photo: Crowing of the 2016 South Side Irish Parade queen, Alison Kelly, with her 2015 predecessor, Mary Kate Love, at last year's pre-parade fundraiser . | South Side Irish Parade Committee