The South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade returns Sun., Mar. 13 with “Thankful for Catholic Elementary School Teachers” as the Grand Marshal.
In 2020, the hardworking teachers who educate Chicago’s Catholic school students had been set to receive the honor, and after two years of cancelled parades, they will finally be recognized. The Grand Marshal unit will feature local Catholic schools led by their principals, teachers and staff.
“Our local Catholic elementary school teachers and students represent the themes that we hold dear and are worthy of the Grand Marshall moniker again for 2022,” said Don Larisey, Co-Chair of the South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade. “We are also pleased to honor the Tom Hopkins Foundation and to announce Bailey O’Connell as our Parade Queen for 2022. We are a family-friendly event, and we are very happy to be celebrating our community once again.”
The Tom Hopkins Foundation strives to assist families affected by cancer and to support youth athletics.
Bailey O’Connell, who had been selected as Parade Queen in 2020, grew up in Mount Greenwood and is an alumna of Mother McAuley High School. The Parade Committee will sponsor O’Connell to compete in the Chicago Rose of Tralee Selection as the South Side Irish Rose.
“The South Side Irish Parade was created on the themes of faith, family, community and Irish heritage. We are very happy to be back this year and be assured that we will be following health and safety guidelines from our Public Health officials,” Larisey said.
Three pre-parade fundraisers will help offset the costs of operating the annual march down Western Avenue:
Passport to the Parade. On Sat., Feb. 26, participating local businesses will offer a Passport to the Parade special and treat patrons to a festive Irish theme. Passports are $25, and holders will be automatically entered into a raffle for local business gift cards.
Participating locations and special offer details will be listed on the South Side Irish Parade website, southsideirishparade.org. Passports are available for purchase in advance at County Fair Foods, 10800 W. Western, and on the parade website
Tradition Marches On Signs. 2022 Tradition Marches On yard signs will be available for $20 each. Get more information and place your order on the parade website.
Tradition Marches On Home Decorating Contest. Show your Irish pride and support the parade by purchasing a home decorating contest application for $20 and transforming the outside of your house into an Irish theme. Application fee includes a Tradition Marches on Sign. Once your house is all decked out, take a photo or make a 10-second video and upload it to the parade website. Winners will be chosen through online voting.
Dedicated to the community and celebration of Irish heritage, the South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day parade will kick off at noon, Mar. 13, stepping off at 103rd and Western Avenue, marching south to 115th Street.
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 Lakeshore Beverage, The Beverly Review, County Fair Foods, IUOE Local 399, IUOE Local 150, Chicago White Sox, ComEd, Goose Island, Ozinga, OSF Little Company of Mary Hospital, and South Side Irish Imports.
