South Side Irish To 'Shamrock Our Blocks'

CHICAGO — While the pandemic has wiped out the South Side Irish Parade for a second year in a row, it hasn’t deterred the South Side Irish from celebrating the driving of the snakes out of Ireland. The South Side Irish Parade Committee will host “Shamrock Our Blocks,” an outdoor house decorating contest designed to spread St. Patrick’s Day joy and support for 19th Ward businesses.

“Each year the South Side Irish Parade draws thousands of people to our community, driving both advance and day of parade purchases at many businesses throughout the area,” parade committee chair Tim McSweeney said in a news release. “The committee wanted to create a plan that gives back to local businesses, as well as offering a family-friendly festive way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year.”.

Residents are encouraged to creatively decorate the outside of their homes with a St. Patrick’s Day theme. Shamrock Our Blocks prizes focus on local businesses and include Grand Prize of $1,000 cash plus $1,000 in local businesses gift cards; second prize, $1,000 in local business gift cards; and third to fifth prizes of $500 dollars in local business gift cards.

All are welcome to enter the exterior house decorating contest, no matter where you live. To enter, simply decorate the exterior of your home, register at www.southsideirishparade.org, snap a photo, and upload it to the Parade Committee at info@southsideirishparade.org Entries must be registered and uploaded by March 4. The registration fee is $20 and includes a yard sign.

For those wishing to show local businesses support without entering the house decorating contest, Shamrock Our Blocks yard signs are available for purchase for $20. Proceeds from the contest and yard signs will support local businesses.

Virtual judging will take place based on entry photos. Winners will be announced on the South Side Irish Parade Facebook page on Saturday, March 13.

For more information go to South Side Irish Parade or the South Side Irish Parade Facebook page.