
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
Logistics of the Parade:
Date: T.B.D.
Assembly: 9:30 am
Kick-off: 12:00 pm
Location:
William J. Onahan School
6634 West Raven St, Chicago, IL 60631
The Official Parade After Party:
Beginning at 1:00 pm and Ends at 5:00 pm
St. Thecla Falcon Hall - 6323 N Newcastle Ave Chicago 60631
2020 Grand Marshal:
James T. Slevin
President the Utility Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO,
2020 Humanitarian:
Rick Passarelli
2020 Queen:
Shannon King
Norwood Park Community
See Flyer on 2021 page and click the link for details https://www.norwoodpark.org/march-scavenger-hunt/
Norwood Park Community
Northwest HWY & Raven
Northwest HWY & Raven
St. Thecla Falcon Hall
The NWSI 2020 Official After Party will take place immediately after the parade at St. Thecla Falcon Hall - 6323 N Newcastle Ave Chicago 606...
St. Thecla Falcon Hall