The 2018 South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade will step off from 103rd Street at noon on Sunday, March 11, and continue south on Western Avenue to 115th Street. The parade’s 2018 grand marshal is Special Olympics Chicago, which this year is celebrating its 50th anniversary of offering athletic training and competition to children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
The parade will also honor as its special honoree the Martin McGarry Family and Amyloidosis Support Groups, which provide support, education and empowerment to Amyloidosis patients, caregivers and former caregivers.
The 2018 Emerald Isle Mile, sponsored by Morgan Park Beverly Hills Business Association member Running Excels, begins a half hour before the start of the parade at 11:30 a.m. The race is a one-mile, chip-timed run; participants receive festive beads at the finish line and a pair of green Gooddr running sunglasses in their swag bag. A portion of the proceeds from the run supports the South Side Irish Parade.