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."
Monday, February 25 2013 1:41 PM EST2013-02-25 18:41:37 GMT
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Tuesday, February 5 2013 3:09 PM EST2013-02-05 20:09:54 GMT
Millions and millions of people tuned in to watch the Super Bowl, and including our friends serving overseas. Thousands of Chicago-style pizzas were sent overseas Tuesday.
Millions and millions of people tuned in to watch the Super Bowl, and including our friends serving overseas. Thousands of Chicago-style pizzas were sent overseas Tuesday.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:55 PM EDT2013-05-24 02:55:34 GMT
As the country looks at the relief efforts in Oklahoma, Illinois is training for the same kind of disaster. The Illinois National Guard prepares every year for disaster events.
As the country looks at the relief efforts in Oklahoma, Illinois is training for the same kind of disaster. The Illinois National Guard prepares every year for disaster events.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:40 PM EDT2013-05-24 02:40:45 GMT
Things are going to be very busy at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport this weekend. Many travelers will also hit the roads for Memorial Day, and they'll pay the price at the pump.
Things are going to be very busy at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport this weekend. Many travelers will also hit the roads for Memorial Day, and they'll pay the price at the pump.
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:32 PM EDT2013-05-24 00:32:17 GMT
A couple accused of murdering a 1-month-old boy and allegedly dumping the body in the Des Plaines River pleaded not guilty to the crime during a Thursday court hearing in Maywood.
A couple accused of murdering a 1-month-old boy and allegedly dumping the body in the Des Plaines River pleaded not guilty to the crime during a Thursday court hearing in Maywood.
