Annual Events Kick Off South Side Irish Parade
Pre-Parade Fundraiser
The South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade will hold a pre-parade fundraiser on Sat., Feb. 22, 6 to 11 p.m., 115 Bourbon Street, 3359 W. 115th St. The event will feature raffle prizes, a silent auction, selection of the South Side Irish Parade Queen, live Irish music and more.
Tickets are $40 at the door and include dinner buffet, draft beer and wine. The Larken and Moran Brothers and the Avondale Ramblers will provide live music in the 115 Bourbon Street Performance Hall. The fundraiser will also feature a quieter setting with Irish traditional music featuring Pat Finnegan and Friends.
“We are excited to kick off the St. Patrick’s Day festivities with the pre-parade fundraiser, an event that is crucial in raising money to keep our tradition alive and marching down Western Avenue,” said Jim Smith, co-chair of the South Side Irish Parade Committee. “If you’re unable to make it out to the fundraiser, we encourage families and businesses to consider purchasing a street pole banner as another way to support the parade.”
Parade Film Festival
The 5th annual South Side Irish Parade Irish Film Festival is set for Sat., Mar. 7, just one week before the largest neighborhood-based St. Patrick’s Day Parade outside of Ireland. The Film Festival takes place at the Beverly Arts Center (BAC), 2407 W 111th St., and highlights Irish culture and heritage through two full-length feature films, live music, a pre-feature reception and a post-film party.
At 3 p.m., the family-friendly event will kick off with a children’s matinee of “The Secret of Kells.” The Oscar-nominated animated film is an enchanting and magical quest involving a young boy’s creative fervor, Celtic spirituality and bravery.
Before the feature film, a reception including traditional Irish music will take place at 6 p.m. Carol Reed’s 1947 British and Irish film noir “Odd Man Out” will be screened at 7 p.m.. Set in Northern Ireland’s Belfast during a time of political unrest, the film follows an Irish nationalist leader on the run from police after a failed robbery.
Post film, attendees will enjoy a live musical performance by local band, A Week Back (Chuck and John) along with a full-service bar and dancing. Info and tickets: 773-445-3838 or www.beverlyartcenter.org.
South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The 2020 South Side Irish Parade will be held Sun., Mar. 15, stepping off at noon.
The parade is operated by the South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Heritage Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. More than 100 volunteers work year-round to ensure this family-friendly celebration continues for future generations.
The parade is supported by major sponsors including the official Irish Whiskey of the South Side Irish Parade, Paddy’s Irish Whiskey, Lakeshore Beverage, The Beverly Review, Raising Cane’s, IUOE Local 399, IUOE Local 150, Chicago White Sox, Flood Brothers, ComEd, County Fair Foods and South Side Irish Imports.
For more information on the parade and the fundraiser visit southsideirishparade.org. To purchase a customized parade route street pole banner contact Jim McKeever, jg.mckeever@att.net.
