Those anxious for the return of the South Side Irish Parade can get a little preview Saturday night to tide them over until the proposed March 11, date is finalized.
The South Side St. Patrick's Day Parade committee is hosting a kick-off party and pre-parade fundraiser Saturday to help meet the costs for city services, according to organizer Bill Figel.
The fundraiser begins at 6 p.m. and goes until 10 p.m. at 115 Bourbon Street on the South Side. Tickets are $30 at the door and include drinks, dinner buffet and entertainment. There will also be a silent auction and raffle at the event.
All the proceeds will go towards defraying the costs of barricades, port-a-potties, marketing, security and clean up to secure the parade permit with the city.
Organizers say they have already raised $80,000, but are still waiting for the city to provide an official price tag.
In January, organizers announced they had secured a parade permit on the condition that extra security and a zero-tolerance alcohol policy were in place. However, on February 9, a report said the city would not issue the permit until the committee paid for the city services first.
Friday organizers met with Ald. Matt O'Shea along with several other city officials to go over additional details for the parade. It marks the latest meeting since organizers first met in August to discuss the possibility of bringing back the parade.
