Evergreen Park Woman Chosen as South Side Irish Parade Queen

2016 South Side Irish Parade Queen, Alison Kelly and 2015 South Side Irish Parade Queen, Mary Kate Love. | South Side Irish Parade Committee

Every parade needs a queen and this year, an Evergreen Park woman has been selected to reign over the 2016 South Side Irish Parade.

Eighteen-year-old Alison Kelly was selected from a field of 19 candidates who took part in the selection process held during the pre-parade fundraising party on Saturday at 115 Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park. Proceeds raised at the party will support the annual march down Western Avenue.

Kelly brings a background in Irish dancing and is currently a full-time student at Moraine Valley Community College.

“I have been an Irish dancer nearly my entire life and one of my favorite memories is dancing and marching in the South Side Irish Parade growing up,” Kelly said in a news release. “I’m also proud to say every generation since my great-great-grandfather has been born and raised on the South Side,” added Kelly.

In addition to being prominently featured in the South Side Irish Parade on March 13, the queen will ride in the downtown Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade the day before on March 12.

The parade queen candidates were interviewed individually by a panel of judges who know a thing or two about parade royalty: Margaret McGann, the 2013 South Side Irish Queen, Maeve McSweeney, 2014 South Side Irish Queen and2015 Chicago Rose of Tralee, and Julia Marmo, South Side Irish Queen Committee Chair. Mary Kate Love, the 2015 South Side Irish Queen was also on this year’s Committee.

“We are so thrilled to have Alison serve as the 2016 South Side Irish Parade Queen,” said Mary Kay Gavin-Marmo, executive director of the Chicago Rose of Tralee. “We had an incredible turnout this year with 19 excellent candidates and after careful consideration Alison was selected.”

Kelly will also wear the title of South Side Irish Rose and will be sponsored by the South Side Irish Parade committee to compete in the Chicago Rose of Tralee selection. This selection process will take place on May 15, at Gaelic Park.

Chicago Rose of Tralee provides 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 winner of the Chicago Rose of Tralee will receive an all-expense paid trip to Ireland for an experience of a lifetime and represent Chicago in a three-night televised event in Tralee, Ireland. Visit the Chicago Rose of Tralee website for more information or to fill out a preliminary application.

The 2016 South Side Irish Parade will step off at Noon on Sunday, March 13 at 103rd Street and Western Avenue. The 2015 edition featured 100 entries and attracted more than 200,000 spectators. The zero tolerance alcohol policy will remain in strict force to ensure a continued safe, family-friendly celebration of community and Irish heritage.