Imagine the chaos, mass intoxication and destruction of property at a once family-friendly event that has turned into a mosh pit of underage drinking and unacceptable behavior.
That is the essence of the South Side Irish Parade, held March 11, the Sunday prior to St. Patrick’s Day. It is a tradition that lived on throughout the city’s South side neighborhood of Beverly dating back to 1979.
In 2009 the decision was made to cancel all future parades due to an abundance of complaints, around 50 arrests and many reports of public intoxication and disobedience.
After three years and much debate, the parade is returning but with stricter rules and an excessive amount of police, private security and volunteers keeping drinking under control and Western Avenue on lockdown.
O' Briens Pub on 109th and Western shows support for SSI Parade Photo by Tabitha Hurley