Hosts Joel Daly, Mike Caplan and Frank Mathie team up to broadcast ABC 7's live coverage of the bagpipers, floats, marching bands and marching politicians that make this one of the most celebrated events in Chicago each year.
This year's parade is dedicated to the memory of Mel Loftus who was the organizer of the St. Patrick's Day Parade for many years.
Twenty-five bands, 51 floats, thousands of marchers and a few leprechauns will be featured as the parade proceeds from Balbo Drive, north on Columbus Drive to Monroe Street. The ABC 7 Chicago float will also be part of the festivities. Scheduled to appear on the ABC 7 float are Kathy Brock, Tracy Butler, Mark Giangreco, "Mr. Food," Sarah Schulte and Ravi Baichwal. The parade will be broadcast live and in high definition.
Sunday, March 15th
South Side Irish Parade
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
The only thing better than celebrating St. Patty's Day on the South Side is watching the South Side Irish Parade on ABC 7 Chicago, Sunday, March 15th at 1:00 p.m. Hosted by Janet Davies and Bob Wallace, this is the 7th year ABC 7 Chicago will bring viewers coverage of this colorful neighborhood parade. Scheduled to ride atop ABC 7's float are Ben Bradley, Paul Meincke, Evelyn Holmes, Jason Knowles and "Mr. Food."
The Downtown St. Patrick's Day Parade and the South Side Irish Parade are produced by Executive Producer of Local Programming, Christopher Bowen.
For those who won't get the chance to see ABC 7's St. Patrick's Day Parade broadcasts, they will also be available on demand at www.abc7chicago.com