Business & Tech
St. Patrick's Day Parade in Forest Park This Saturday
Find out where to watch the parade, where to eat and drink afterward and how to get around safely.
It's almost time to get into the spirit of St. Patrick's Day Forest Park-style.
The annual St. Patrick's Day parade starts at 1 p.m. this Saturday, March 9, and it has become one of the largest in the western suburbs.
The parade travels down Madison Street, beginning at Van Buren Street and ending about 1 mile away at Elgin Avenue.
Find out what's happening in Forest Parkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
More than 70 entries take part including several bagpipe bands, the award-winning Proviso Marching Band, local businesses, Medinah Shriner's Mini Choppers, Roaring 57's and Clown Unit, area police and fire vehicles, floats, Irish Dancers, Forest Park Dog Park, Toys for Tots and more.
The festivities continue following the parade as local and area residents, friends and families spend the day on Madison Street. The event is sponsored by the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce and Development.
Find out what's happening in Forest Parkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Eat and Drink After the Parade...
Attendees are encouraged to shop and dine at the businesses along Madison Street. Some of the places along the route include: Molly Malone's Irish Pub, Mugsy's, Doc Ryan's, Cafe de Lucca, Shortstop Lounge, Louie's Grill, Murphy's Pub, Jimmy's Place, Francesca Fiore, Florenza Ristorante, The Brown Cow, Piggyback Tavern, Healy's Westside, O'Sullivan's Public House and the Fat Duck Tavern & Grill.
Some businesses will be offering special hours, deals or live music. For example, Scratch Kitchen is celebrating with a 9 a.m. opening. If your business has any special hours or deals, add them in the comments below or share it in our events calendar.
...And Get a Free Ride Around Town!
Miller Lite Free Rides is returning to Forest Park this weekend to help those celebrating around the St. Patrick’s Day parade plan ahead for a safe ride home.
The free shuttle service available from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and will run on a looped route, making stops at popular bars and restaurants on Madison Street, Van Buren, Des Plaines and Harlem Avenue.
Detailed route and schedule information can be found at MillerLite.com/FreeRides. Riders can also call 1-800-FREE-RIDES (1-800-373-3743) or text “CHIRISH” to 90464.
—Michael Sewall contributed to this article
