Your 2021 Oak Forest Fleadh Survival Guide

OAK FOREST, IL — While many Irish cultural celebrations and parades have been canceled for a second year due to the pandemic, the Oak Forest Fleadh 2021 is on for Saturday, March 6. A few adjustments have been made for COVID-19 safety. This all-day celebration of Irish heritage features a Virtual 5K run/walk, pre-parade activities, a family parade, and a pub and restaurant open house.

Oak Forest Fleadh is an annual event, held on the first Saturday of March. "Fleadh" which is Gaelic, for “festival” is presented by the Oak Forest-Crestwood Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Oak Forest. This year’s theme is “"Fleadh Around Town.”

The parade and other events have moved to Central Avenue this year, but Fleadh will be back on Cicero Avenue in 2022, said Kim Malecky-Iles, executive director of the chamber.

“We have worked hard to keep this tradition this year, since we all need some fun in 2021,” Malecky-Iles added. “We’ve made some changes to allow for a safe celebration, so join us as we ‘Fleadh Around Town.’”

New this year, “Fleadh Around Town” around town has teamed up with Julia’s Legacy for Hope, named for Julia Janes, a young Oak Forest woman who died after a long and courageous battle with cancer. A portion of the registration fees will be donated to Julia’s Legacy for Hope for pediatric cancer research.

After your busy morning, visit Oak Forest’s pubs and restaurants. They’ve had a rough year so let’s support them.

For more information, call 708-687-4600, visit www.oc-chamber.org/oak-forest-fleadh or like @oakforestfleadh on Facebook. Keep it safe and have a face mask handy.

Here’s what you need to know to prepare for the big day:

Kids Activities

Leprechaun Activities 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.

The Oak Forest Park District will be hosting some Leprechaun activities for the kids at Central Park, 15601 South Central Ave. Start your Fleadh day with crafts, and other surprises. Enjoy the hot cocoa bar, light concessions, and open bean bag play. Don’t forget to check out the Leprechaun exhibit across the street at the Acorn Public Library District, 15624 S. Central Ave.

Run the Virtual #CNBFleadh5k

Get a group together and map your own course in the CNB Bank and Trust 5K. Walk or run on the treadmill, walk or run anywhere! Register at Race Roster 37373 and use the promo code SAVE5. Make time with your family and run together. The ideas are endless. After your run, post your pics using #CNBFleadh5k and #fleadharoundtown share your pictures on the Oak Forest Fleadh Facebook and Instagram. You pick the time and place-then post pics after to share your success. As a virtual event, participants can run or walk anywhere and anytime, between March 6 through March 17.

From 8 to 11 a.m. on March 6 run on the treadmills at the Oak Forest Park District’s Zone Fitness Center, 15601 S. Central Ave.

Hunt for the $1,000 Golden Ticket

Kevin Szabo Jr. Plumbing is sponsoring this fantastic event. A golden ticket will be hidden somewhere along the parade route. There are no clues, do keep your eyes open. Find the lucky ticket and take home $1,000.

Parade Grand Marshal

This year’s grand marshal is Run to the Pub Running Club, celebrating their ninth anniversary.

Family Parade

Note the change in the parade route for 2021, which steps off at 11 a.m. from Oak Forest High School and heads south on Central Avenue to the Oak Forest Park District (15200 to 15601 Central Avenue). Many youth groups, local businesses will be joining the parade, including Chicago Stockyard Kilty Band celebrating its 100th anniversary. Be sure to wear your green.

Confirmed participants in this year's Fleadh parade are:

Acorn Public Library
Bremen Township Democratic Organization
Chicago Gaelic Park
Chicago Stockyard Kilty Band
City of Oak Forest Construction
Concepts of Illinois
Cub Scout Pack 341
Engineering for Kids
Erin Wilder Resident
Girl Scout Troop 60033
Girl Scout Troop 65669
Girl Scouts Troop 65163
John Amico School of Hair Design
Kevin Szabo Jr. Plumbing
Midlothian First Party
Oak Forest Bowl
Oak Forest Executive Center
Oak Forest High School Soccer
Oak Forest Park District
Oak Forest Park District Fury Lacrosse
Run to the Pub Running Group
Slapshots Sports Bar & Grill
Susan Semanate Allstate Agency
The Pong Family
VKMI Models of Christ Teen Ministry
Windy City Thunderbolts

Proud Sponsors of 2021 Oak Forest Fleadh

5K Title Premier

CNB Bank & Trust

Premier

Abendroth Accounting & Tax Service
Eagle Sports Range
Kevin Szabo Jr. Plumbing
Oak Forest Bowl

Silver

B & Z Heating & Air Inc
Baxter & Woodman
Cindy's Pub
E & R Towing
Elite Care Management
Oak Forest Family Dental

Shamrock

Anytime Fitness
Oak Forest Beggar's Pizza
Oak Forest Executive Center
Oak Forest High School Soccer
Peoples Bank, Mark Iles
Sandrick Law Firm
Susan Semanate Allstate
Val Shalati, Keller Williams Elite Realty