The March  15, 2020 NorthWest Side Irish Parade has been postponed. It is important to NWSI that we provide our parade participants with this update as quickly as possible. 

As a more formal explanation will be provided to you shortly. On behalf of NWSI this is a formal announcement of the postponement of the NWSI March 15, 2020 Parade and Official NWSI AfterParty. 

More details will be provided shortly. 

Mayor Lightfoot will be making a formal announcement of on behalf of the City of Chicago at 9:15 a.m. and we will be executing formal statements and explanations throughout the day to participants, vendors and potential attendees.  

Thank you all for your patience and please stand by for more details. 

Sincerely, 

Daniel Murray - NWSI President 

Elizabeth Murray Belcaster - Parade Organizer 

The NorthWest Side Irish (NWSI) has received numerous emails and calls with regard to the March 15, 2020 Parade. Until further notice, the March 15, 2020 NWSI St. Patrick's Day Parade is moving forward as scheduled.

NWSI recognizes the concerns that some of you may have regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19). We are closely monitoring the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organizations statements regarding COVID-19, and will follow any applicable directives that may be issued. 

In preparation for the parade, NWSI is working with  Mayor Lightfoot 's staff and the City of Chicago Special Events offices, Chicago Police Department and the Norwood Park Chamber to ensure we are extending the necessary guidelines for parade spectators and participants. We will be providing hand sanitation systems throughout the route and at the NWSI After Party site. Portable restrooms will be equipped with hand sanitizers as well. 

We are also encouraging those who may be at high risk and/or those who have health issues to stay home. 

We will continue to monitor the situation and keep you posted as more information becomes available. Any changes to the scheduled events will be communicated through our FB page and website. 

The Chicago Department of Public Health’s COVID-19 website, updated regularly
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/health_protection_and_response/svcs/2019-novel-coronavirus--2019-ncov-.html

The Chicago Department of Public Health’s COVID-19: Guidance for Businesses and Employers
https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/HealthProtectionandResponse/COVID-19%20Guidance%20for%20Businesses%20and%20Employers%2002.28.2020.pdf

Center for Disease Control’s Interim Guidance – “Get Your Mass Gatherings or Large Community Events Ready for Coronavirus Disease 2019”
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/large-events/mass-gatherings-ready-for-covid-19.html