After years of witnessing people drink themselves into a stupor, organizers made the South Side Irish parade a family affair again last year. On Sunday, those changes remain in place.
The team at O'Brien's Pub in Beverly is preparing for Sunday's big South Side Irish St. Patrick's Day Parade. That includes a plan to prevent patrons from breaking the law.
"They cannot take it outside. No alcohol containers on you. We're always looking out for that. Good police force out here so everything should run smoothly like it did last year," said Kevin Caponera, manager of O'Brien's Pub.
This year the maximum fine for having an open container of alcohol has doubled to a $1,000 and long-time parade goers we spoke with are not complaining.
"I actually like that, double the fines actually," Matt Caponera, a parade-goer said.
"That's perfect, for no reason," Pat Jedrey, another parade-goer said.
It's the parade's second year in action after a two year hiatus prompted by excessive boozing along the parade route.
Last year went off without a hitch and parade co-chair Kevin Coakley expects the same on Sunday.
"We are looking for the same results...family friendly event," Coakley said.
Organizers hope a lineup of family friendly activities Sunday morning will keep trouble makers away.
"We have check points...expect the same results," Coakley said. "This is about a family parade and we hope to keep it that way."
Thursday, May 16 2013 9:49 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:49:53 GMT
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Monday, May 20 2013 1:39 PM EDT2013-05-20 17:39:06 GMT
Chicago teachers, parents and students are hitting the streets for a third and final day of citywide marches in protest of Mayor Rahm Emanuel's proposal to close dozens of schools.
Chicago teachers, parents and students are hitting the streets for a third and final day of citywide marches in protest of Mayor Rahm Emanuel's proposal to close dozens of schools.
Monday, May 20 2013 1:35 PM EDT2013-05-20 17:35:53 GMT
Transit officials said the first rush hour of CTA's five-month Red Line construction project went smoothly Friday morning. Mayor Emanuel also stopped by to thank commuters for taking the project in stride.
Transit officials said the first rush hour of CTA's five-month Red Line construction project went smoothly Friday morning. Mayor Emanuel also stopped by to thank commuters for taking the project in stride.
Monday, May 20 2013 12:18 PM EDT2013-05-20 16:18:43 GMT
When Lindsay Carter heard on the radio that a violent storm was approaching her rural Oklahoma neighborhood, she gathered her belongings and fled. When she returned, there was little left.
When Lindsay Carter heard on the radio that a violent storm was approaching her rural Oklahoma neighborhood, she gathered her belongings and fled. When she returned, there was little left.
Monday, May 20 2013 9:42 AM EDT2013-05-20 13:42:49 GMT
Twelve people have been charged with misdemeanor offenses after police responded to groups of teens running through traffic on North Michigan Avenue and elsewhere on the Gold Coast.
Twelve people have been charged with misdemeanor offenses after police responded to groups of teens running through traffic on North Michigan Avenue and elsewhere on the Gold Coast.
Monday, May 20 2013 9:40 AM EDT2013-05-20 13:40:07 GMT
The derailment of an Amtrak City of New Orleans train on the Near South Side Sunday morning led to delays and a couple cancellations for trains on Metra's Rock Island District line.
The derailment of an Amtrak City of New Orleans train on the Near South Side Sunday morning led to delays and a couple cancellations for trains on Metra's Rock Island District line.
Monday, May 20 2013 8:38 AM EDT2013-05-20 12:38:56 GMT
Clinton Shepherd, Pier Park Operations Manager, is trying to set a new world record for the longest time riding a Ferris Wheel. He was stationed at Navy Pier Thursday, preparing for this weekend's marathon event.
Clinton Shepherd, Pier Park Operations Manager, is trying to set a new world record for the longest time riding a Ferris Wheel. He was stationed at Navy Pier Thursday, preparing for this weekend's marathon event.
Monday, May 20 2013 8:20 AM EDT2013-05-20 12:20:38 GMT
Five people have been killed and at least 18 others wounded — including a 12-year-old boy left in critical condition — in shootings across the city since Friday night.
Five people have been killed and at least 18 others wounded — including a 12-year-old boy left in critical condition — in shootings across the city since Friday night.
Sunday, May 19 2013 6:44 PM EDT2013-05-19 22:44:15 GMT
Skokie Police Chief Tony Scarpelli said Sunday police still have no suspect in custody in connection with a shooting Friday night near just outside of Westfield's Old Orchard Shopping Center.
Skokie Police Chief Tony Scarpelli said Sunday police still have no suspect in custody in connection with a shooting Friday night near just outside of Westfield's Old Orchard Shopping Center.
