(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Organizers of Chicago's South Side Irish Parade they are moving ahead with plans to hold this year's parade in March, after after two years of pandemic-related cancellations.
The parade not only attracts large crowds to the Beverly and Morgan Park neighborhoods, it also gives a big boost to many of the businesses there.
Nineteenth Ward Ald. Matt O'Shea said the news is a potential shot in the arm to businesses in his community, which have been struggling.
O'Shea says the parade will be especially welcome by owners of restaurants, bars and other businesses. He said they have seen a sharp drop in sales because of the city's vaccine mandate for customers.
“This latest mandate has put a tremendous amount of pressure on our business owners,” O’Shea said.
The parade is scheduled for Sunday, March 13, along Western Avenue between 103rd and 113th Streets.