History of the Parade - The parade was established by two friends George Hendry and Pat Coakley. They never met until their early thirties when they moved to the Morgan Park community where they lived together and become founders of the parade. Since then the parade route has been from 103rd and Western to 115th and Western, every year a Grand Marshall is chosen, normally from charitable organizations. People attending the parade can have the lunch in one of the Chicago hotels.

http://www.southsideirishparade.org/index.php?id=15

Road Blocks and Checks - The visitor driving to the parade should be aware of the check they have to undergo. These checks are conducted by the various municipalities which include Alsip, Oak Lawn, Blue Island and Marionettes Park. Also extra police are deployed to provide security in the area and its environs.

http://www.southsideirishparade.org/index.php?id=20

Bus Trips - The committee of the South Side Irish Parade which encompass the inhabitants of the Morgan, and Beverly Park community and the neighboring region organize for the bus trip to contact the bar owners. This makes the parade accessible, neighborhood-friendly and family-friendly.

http://www.nbcchicago.com/around-town/archive/.html

Cancellation Outrage - Over 8,197 people have joined the online protest against the cancellation of the parade.

http://eventplanning.about.com/b/2009/04/01/chicagos-south-side-irish-parade-supporters-use-facebook-to-voice-cancelation-outrage.htm