Your 2016 South Side Irish Parade Survival Guide

The South Side Irish Parade is this weekend and we here at Patch have pulled together everything you need to know to make the most of the best parade in Chicago.

The Details

• When: The parade starts at noon on Sunday, March 13
• Where: Western Avenue in Chicago's Beverly neighborhood. The parade will begin at 103rd Street and will run all the way to 115th Street.

The Weather

You may want to pack an umbrella or bring rain gear to the parade. Rain showers are predicted for Sunday, with highs near 60. With the luck o' the Irish, we're hoping the rain will stay away from the parade and park over Indiana. Read Patch's complete weekend weather forecast.

The Race

The 2016 Emerald Isle Mile, sponsored by Running Excels, begins at 11:30 a.m. March 13, just prior to the start of the South Side Irish Parade, starting at 104th and Western and finishing at 112th. The one-mile race is limited to 15 minutes.

Parking

Street closures start at 6 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. Also, expect portions of all side streets leading to Western Avenue between 103rd Street to 115th to be closed. If you are driving, wearing comfortable shoes because you’ll probably be doing some walking. Find a full list of parking restrictions and security measures here.

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. You will also be banned from having alcohol on the Rock Island Metra before the parade. If you’re caught with open alcohol, fines of up to $1,000 for open containers of alcohol may be imposed. Security checkpoints staffed by private security and the Chicago Police Department will be surrounding the parade route. Also, anyone who witnesses a crime or encounters drunk behavior during the parade should call 911.

Grand Marshals

This year's grand marshals will be South Siders Fighting Childhood Cancer, comprised of local pediatric cancer organizations in memory of children in the Beverly, Mt. Greenwood and Morgan Park neighborhoods who’ve lost their lives to cancer. The group is comprised of Live Like John,Emily Beazley’s Kures for Kids, Pat Mac’s Pack, Maeve McNicholas Memorial Foundation and Cameron’s Crusaders.

Parade Honoree

The South Side Irish Parade is also shining a light on The 100 Club of Chicago, celebrating 50 years of helping to ease the financial burden of first responders’ families that have lost a loved one in the line of duty. The 100 Club of Chicago provides immediate financial assistance as well as the ongoing cost of higher education.

Pro Tips

You will want to claim your spot on Western Avenue early before the parade steps off. Wear comfortable shoes because unless you live close to the parade route you'll likely be doing some walking. Green attire is a must.

After the Parade

While you are out and about it make it a point to stop in at a local business and give back to the merchants who support the event. You can buy a cup of fresh roasted coffee or a great dessert at Beverly Bakery or make a list of new stores that you want to stop back and visit. If the bar scene is for you, there are plenty of fine Irish taverns on the west side of the street to choose from. Just remember that you are in a neighborhood, not frat row.

More Parade Coverage

• South Side Irish Parade Highlights Pediatric Cancer Groups, 100 Club
• Parking Restrictions and Security Measures Released for 2016 South Side Irish Parade
• Yelp's Top Irish Spots Around Beverly-Mt. Greenwood for St. Patrick's Day
• Yelp’s Top Irish Sports Around Oak Lawn-Evergreen Park for St. Patrick’s Day
• Terry Griffin Wins First Place in Reilly's Daughter's Irish Soda Bread Contest
• Evergreen Park Woman Chosen as South Side Irish Parade Queen