St. Patrick's Day celebrations continue with South Side Irish Parade

Sunday, March 17, 2019
CHICAGO (WLS) -- A sea of green took over Chicago's neighborhood Sunday with both the South Side Irish Parade, which attracted more than 100,000 people on St. Patrick's Day.

The parade kicked off at noon from 103rd and Western Avenue in the Beverly neighborhood and proceeded south down Western Avenue to 115th Street.
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There was also a marriage proposal. Ryan Blake proposed to his girlfriend Mary Beth Berger, who both grew up in Beverly, during the parade. She said yes.

WATCH: Couple gets engaged at South Side Irish Parade
Couple gets engaged at South Side Irish Parade on St. Patrick's Day


Honor Flight Chicago was the grand marshal this year at the family-friendly event, which drew politicians.


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The parade took a two-year break years ago after rowdy crowds and heavy drinking disrupted the event. When the parade came back, organizers implemented a strict no drinking policy. They still maintain a zero-tolerance policy.

WATCH: Co-chair of the South Side Irish Parade committee talks about the parade tradition
South Side Irish Parade co-chair talks about parade


RELATED: Things your didn't know about St. Patrick

WATCH: Security stepped up for St. Patrick's Day parade
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Security stepped up for St. Patrick's Day parade


WATCH: St. Patrick's Day Trivia With Parade Queen
St. Patrick's Day Queen


The Northwest Side Irish Parade also was held Sunday, starting at North Neola Avenue and West Raven Street in the Norwood Park neighborhood.

WATCH: How the Chicago River is dyed green
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