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

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The sounds of the bagpipes echoed loud and clear throughout Chicago's South Side Sunday as Beverly once again dressed itself in green to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.

Organizers of the South Side Irish St. Patrick's Day Parade call it the largest community-based parade outside of Ireland.

"We've been coming here since she was like a newborn. We never miss it," said Dawn Murphy.

"Everybody is a family in Beverly. We all go to the same schools, we all have the same pride in where we grew up and this is part of that. This is history," added Charly Rusch.

SEE ALSO | ABC7 Chicago celebrates St. Patrick's Day in Chicago with live parade special

That sense of community was everywhere, from the marching bands to the children scrambling to collect the bags of candy being thrown at them.

"We come down from Skokie every year. Change of pace and change of scenery," said Tim Bimmerle. "I told him if he didn't get enough candy today, I would throw some to him when we got home. Throw it over the fence like we're in a parade."

"I'm originally from Ireland [and] came here a long time ago," said Padric. "And to see people celebrate like this is absolutely magic. And to bring my grandchildren on a day like today. This is their first time coming to the parade which is absolutely brilliant."

But for all the joy and celebration, there was also a deep sense of patriotism and duty to be expected in a community filled with first responders. The parade kicked off on a somber note, with members of the Chicago Police Department holding a banner with Officer Andres Vasquez Lasso's name and photo on it. The 8th District police officer was buried just this past Thursday.

"Officer Vasquez Lasso's wife. Milena, was at mass this morning with the whole family and it was so heartwarming when I had the honor of introducing her. And I asked her to kindly stand," said CPD Chaplain Father Dan Brandt. "A very humble person, but she stood and her family alongside her and the place broke into extended applause. It was really heartwarming. It was beautiful."

For the 20th year, Chicago's Northwest Side also hosted it's annual Irish Parade.

There were bagpipes, dancers and lots of green.

For many people the parade was about more than that. For them, it's a tradition and a time to be with family.

The parade was followed by an after-party with food, drinks and entertainment for the kids.