Welcome to Northwest Side Irish

For the second straight year, we are saddened to announce the cancellation of the Northwest Side Irish Parade. Due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, the city will not be issuing permits for any parades or large gatherings in the first quarter of 2021.

While we are disappointed in this development, the safety of our community is our top priority and we understand the City of Chicago Department of Public Health's advisable concerns and the recommendations of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) that prompts this decision to help keep citizens safe and healthy.

The NWSI Parade traditionally takes place the Sunday before St. Patrick’s Day in the Norwood Park neighborhood of the Northwest Side of Chicago with the sole purpose to promote Irish Heritage. NWSI takes great pride in raising awareness and funds for extended community efforts and charity organizations with Misericordia, Muscular Dystrophy, Chicagoland Food Depository and Dixon Center for Veterans and Military Community Services just to name a few. Veterans and Military Families have always had a special place with the parade as our founder Daniel Murray is an Army Veteran and co-Founder Elizabeth Murray Belcaster has been working with veterans and military families for over a decade. 

While our traditional St. Patrick's Day parade will not take place this year, the parade committee is now looking into alternative ways of celebrating our Irish Heritage. We are working with organizers and communities to identify ways to celebrate this St. Patrick's Day in a safe manner for the community that aligns with ongoing public health guidance.

We will keep everyone updated on virtual and community events and we will be supporting the local businesses.  

Sincerely, 

Daniel Murray - NWSI President 

Elizabeth Murray Belcaster - Parade Organizer 

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