There’s so much Irish spirit in Chicago that there’s not one, but three
major parades. The “South Side” parade attracts nearly 200,000
people to Western Avenue in the Beverly neighborhood to watch
the bands, steppers, choral groups, vintage cars, politicians, and the
parade queen — more than 100 different groups altogether. The
focus here is family and community, as is the parade’s support and
inclusion of the Special Olympics.
If that only whets your Irish appetite, head 30 miles up Interstate
90 to the Norwood Park neighborhood for the “Northwest Side”
parade. At just 16 years old, the youngest of Chicago’s St. Patrick’s
Day parades celebrates the “faith, family, and heritage” of the Irish.
See the likes of Trinity Irish Dancers, The Emerald Society Band, and
Chicago Pipes and Drums, among many others prance and play along
Northwest Highway.
Greening the Chicago River
Credit: Choose Chicago
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