Countdown To Fleadh: Oak Forest Fleadh Back For 17th Year March 7

OAK FOREST, IL — Start stocking up on your green garb now. Bet you'll find some stores already selling beads, hats, oversize glasses—the brighter, the better—to get you set for Oak Forest's annual Fleadh festivities.

In its 17th year, the Oak Forest Fleadh—a Gaelic term for a festival of Irish music, dancing, and culture—has a schedule jam-packed with festivities. The Oak Forest-Crestwood Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of Oak Forest, will host the event on Saturday, March 7.

What's In Store

CNB Fleadh 5K

Start your day with a 5K run (or walk, if you'd prefer). The CNB Fleadh 5K kicks off at 8:30 a.m.

The race starts and finishes at 155th and Betty Ann—two blocks east of Central Avenue. The route takes you through the neighborhood and past Oak Forest landmarks, such as St. Damian Church, Oak Forest High School, Valley Kingdom Ministries, Ridge & Kerkstra schools.

Pre-and post-race events will take place in the Oak Forest Fire Station at 5620 James Drive - City Hall campus.

• REGISTER NOW
• FLEADH 5K ROUTE

Fleadh Family Parade

The parade will kick off at 11 a.m. from 151st and Central Avenue. Bring the family, wear your green!
This year's Grand Marshal will be St. Damian School.

“St. Damian School has been an integral part of our community for more than 60 years, providing a quality education and strong foundation for students,” said Chamber of Commerce Director Kim Malecky-Iles. “As an alumna, I am overjoyed to celebrate the Lancers on Central Avenue during our signature event, which celebrates both Irish culture and civic pride.”

St. Damian School is a Catholic school offering instruction from preschool through 8th grade. The school has twice been recognized as a Blue Ribbon School, a prestigious award from the U.S. Department of Education recognizing public and private schools with exceptionally high student performance or significant progress in closing achievement gaps, signifying overall academic excellence, strong teaching, and positive school culture, with the physical blue ribbon flag becoming a symbol of quality.

As the grand marshal, St. Damian School families will lead approximately 50 parade units, including a pipe and drum band, civic and community groups, schools and churches, and local businesses along Central Avenue.

"We’re honored and excited to lead this year’s parade," said Tina Hubert, St. Damian School Board member. "This celebration unites our families, deepens our connection to the Oak Forest community, and highlights what makes it such a special place to educate our children."

Feeling lucky? Hunt for the hidden $1000 Golden Ticket provided by sponsor Kevin Szabo Jr. Plumbing along the parade route. Families, businesses and community, school and religious groups are encouraged to participate in the parade.

• PARADE REGISTRATION FORM
• JOIN THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Sponsorship Opportunities

Support the Fleadh by becoming a sponsor. For more information, email Kim Malecky Iles or call 708-687-4600.

Street Closures

CNB Oak Forest Fleadh 5K

• No parking on the Fleadh 5K route between 6 and 10 a.m.
• Street closures in effect from approximately 8:15 to 10 a.m.
• 155th Street from Central Avenue to Michaele Drive will close at 7:30 a.m. Natalie Drive (access from Central Ave) will remain open until approximately 8:15 a.m.
• Several neighborhood streets will be impacted
• 149th to 156th streets from Long to Lavergne avenues
• 155th Street from Central to Long avenues

Family Parade

• Street closures from approximately 10:30 a.m. to noon
• Central Avenue from 151st Street to Independence Avenue
• 151st Street from Condado Drive to Central Avenue