By Mark Weyermuller -
The Chicago South Side Irish parade was back last Sunday after a two year hiatus due to mandatory shutdowns in Chicago from Covid 19.
This year's event started at 103rd and South Western Avenue on Chicago's southside, with an estimated 300,000 along the route. It included Irish dancers, floats, marching bands, and of course politicians. I estimate 2500 marched in the parade.
The highlight for me was seeing seeing Chicago Police Officer Carlos Yanez cut a green ribbon to start the parade. He rode in a golf cart after that to lead the parade as the grand marshall. Yanez was shot and severely wounded while performing a traffic stop on August 7, 2021 in Chicago.
I got to meet Carlos and chat with him for a few minutes. It was great to see him recovering and excited about leading the parade. His partner Ella French was also shot and died on that tragic day. Two men were arrested in that shooting. She too was honored and remembered at the parade.
I wrote about her funeral HERE.
The Southside St. Patrick's Parade would never be complete without politicians including elected officials and candidates.
The Republican primary for Illinois governor had most of the candidates out in force.
State Senator Darren Bailey had the largest amount of marchers followed closely by Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin. Also spotted were GOP gubernatorial candidates Gary Rabine and Max Solomon. Lieutenant Governor candidate Kathleen Murphy Murphy marched for gubernatorial candidate Jesse Sullivan.
Last Saturday , Chicago held their downtown parade on Columbus Drive. Pritzker and Lightfoot led that parade forming the traditional front line. They were joined by Senator Dick Durbin, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and many other Democrat politicians.
Many people commented on Mayor Lightfoot’s attire almost appearing to look like a leprechaun. The mayor is in a dispute this week with the threat of firing almost 3000 Chicago Police Officers for not reporting their vaccination status. She is also involved in controversy with the Chicago Teachers Union over forcing kids to wear masks. There are multiple lawsuits in these matters.
I finished off the weekend with a green beer to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day 2022. It’s good to see the parades back in force. It appears Covid is mostly over for now. The Illinois primary is Tuesday, June 28, 2022 with the General Election, also called “the Midterms,” on Tuesday, November 8, 2022.
Mark Weyermuller is a small business person, retired real estate professional, law & order supporter, tax payer advocate, and conservative activist in Chicago. He is a citizen journalist, frequent guest on talk radio, and regular contributor to Illinois Review.
