Friends of Oak Forest Animal Control, Four-Legged Pals to Lead Oak Forest Fleadh Parade

OAK FOREST, IL – The pitter-patter of many paws will lead the way up Cicero Avenue for this year's Oak Forest Fleadh family parade.

The Oak Forest-Crestwood Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Oak Forest are pleased to announce that the Friends of Oak Forest Animal Control Commission will serve as grand marshal of the parade on Saturday, March 4. The parade steps off at 11 a.m. at 157th Street and heads north on Cicero Avenue.

“The Oak Forest Fleadh celebrates Irish culture and tradition as well as the people and businesses of Oak Forest,” said Chamber of Commerce Director Kim Malecky-Iles. “This year we’re extending that concept to our four-legged friends in an effort to raise awareness about the importance of responsible pet ownership and care.”

The Friends group works in partnership with the city’s Animal Control facility to provide rescue and re-homing of unclaimed and abandoned local animals, improve facility conditions, and increase the success rate of reuniting lost pets with their owners.

As the grand marshal, the commission will lead more than 60 parade units, including pipe and drum bands, civic and community groups, schools and churches, and local businesses along Cicero Avenue. To make the event even more special, the group is inviting families who have rescued dogs through their program and residents and their dogs to join them as they lead the parade. Participants are encouraged to dress their pets in their Irish best. To learn more or to register to walk with the group, visit the Oak Forest Fleadh page at www.oak-forest.org.

Before the parade, the Friends of Animal Control Commission will be at the CNB Oak Forest Fleadh 5K accepting donations of pet food and toys; cat litter; and dog leashes, harnesses, and sweaters. They also will sound the horn at the start of the race.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to introduce ourselves to the community and educate people about what we do in the city,” said Alderman Laura Clemons, who was instrumental in forming the commission. “We are so grateful for any and all donations we receive to help us provide food and shelter throughout the year for our animals until they find new, loving homes.”

To learn more about the Oak Forest Fleadh, please visit www.oak-forest.org, call 708-687-4600 or e-mail oakforestfleadh@oak-forest.org. Registration is open for the CNB Oak Forest Fleadh 5K at www.signmeup.com/116462.