South Side Irish Parade returns after two-year absence due to pandemic
CHICAGO (CBS) – Irish eyes were smiling in the Beverly neighborhood Sunday for one of the biggest St. Patrick's Day gatherings outside of Dublin.
CBS 2's Shardaa Gray visited the South Side Irish St. Patrick's Day Parade on Western Avenue, and the festivities that followed.
Both brass and bagpipes sounded as bands stepped off– from military band and high school marching bands to the Chicago Stockyard Kilty Band, and of course, the Shannon Rovers – a troupe that included the late CBS 2 reporter Bob Wallace as a member for many years and has been beloved by Chicago for generations.
Floats and marchers celebrated everything from local Catholic parishes and Knights of Columbus chapters to the White Sox.
The parade returned this year after a two-year break due to COVID-19. Parade Queen and Mount Greenwood native Bailey O'Connell was selected in 2020, but had to wait to take her crown as the parade went on hiatus.
"It's a big part of our neighborhood and community to be able to come back out and celebrate, because it brings a lot of excitement to the neighborhood," said South Side Irish Parade Committee co-chair Don Larisey. "The children are very excited for the parade and businesses as well."
"God is smiling on the South Side," said U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Illinois). "People are coming out, feeling like we're coming back home."
A heavy police presence was seen on both the outskirts of the parade, and some officers were honored as part of the parade itself.
One of the officers in the parade was Officer Carlos Yanez Jr., who was shot during a traffic stop on Aug. 7, 2021 in West Englewood. His partner, Officer Ella French, was killed in the attack.
"It's an honor for me to come out here and celebrate St. Patrick's Day," said Officer Yanez.
While it has taken a few years off since its founding, the iconic South Side Irish parade has been a staple in Chicago's celebration of St. Patrick's Day since 1979.
Onlookers watched proudly as the parade marched from 103rd Street to 115th Street on Western Avenue - with a festive atmosphere.
Standing shoulder to shoulder and mask free, some said it feels like old times.
"This is a nice relief, to see people's faces again," said spectator Mary Duhig.
Ask any kid what their favorite part of the parade is, you'll get this response.
"When they give out candy," one girl told us.
"All the candy," another girl said.
"Because you get candy," a third said.
Attendance figures for the Sunday parade were not available, but it has reached 200,000 in past years.
