As tradition dictates, it was all about the floats, the crowds and the politicians at the South Side Irish Parade.
“I was born on the South Side of Chicago, I planned to be here,” said Quinn. “I think it’s important that we all have fun today, honor St. Patrick and then vote on Tuesday.”
The South Side Irish Parade stepped off a noon Sunday, taking over Western Avenue.
The parade began at 103rd Street and ended at 11th Street, drawing thousands of festive spectators.
This year’s parade even included some of Chicago’s biggest stars from the Sochi Olympic Games.
Bobsled bronze medalist Aja Evans and women’s hockey silver medalist Kendall Coyne thanked South Side fans for their support.
“It’s a tremendous honor I mean I’ve come here as a kid and just being able to be on a float and representing the United States and the South Side is really special,” said Coyne.
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This is the third year of the parade since organizers put a lid on the perrenial party atmosphere.
The parade took a two-year hiatus due previous issues with rowdy, drunken crowds, but has since returned as a more “family-oriented” event.
“There’s no alcohol, it’s all about families,” said Ald. Matthew O’Shea (19th).
And parade-goers agreed.
“This is all kids and families, this is why this parade needs to be here,” said one celebrator.
