The information below is designed to help parade goers plan for a festive and frazzle-free day:

As much fun as the South Side Irish Parade can be, those who come armed with pertinent information have a much more enjoyable experience then those who choose to wing it.

Q. What is the date of the South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade?
A. Sunday, March 15, 2009.

Q. What time does the parade start?
A. The parade steps off at noon sharp.

Q. Where is the parade route?
A. Participants march south on Western Avenue from 103rd to 115th Street.

Q. How crowded does the parade route get?
A. Very crowded! The South Side Irish parade attracts more than 250,000 spectators per year, many of whom begin lining both sides of Western Avenue long before the parade steps off.

Q. Which side of the parade route should I stand on?
A. Traditionally, the east side of Western has been considered the “family side”. There are no taverns on this side of the street, and the sun tends to shine longer there after it drops behind the building on the west side of Western, which can really make a difference on a cold day. So if you’re bringing the kids, the east side is your best bet.

Q. What is typical weather for Parade Day?
A. We’ve had it all: inclement weather in 1991, rain in 2006 and temperatures in the mid-50s a year later. The best preparation is to bring plenty of extra layers – sweatshirts, blankets, jackets – so that you’re prepared for any calamity. Particularly if you’re bringing the kids.

Q. What other advice is there for people bringing kids?
A. In addition to the warm clothes, be sure to bring some snacks and drinks. Remember too that Parade Day can involve a lot of walking. If you have a wagon, it’s a great tool for transporting your little ones and holding your snacks and extra clothes.

Q. Are there bathroom facilities along the parade route?
A. Absolutely. For the convenience of parade attendees, the parade committee has increased the number of portable toilets available along the route over the past several years. Also, there are two portable toilets that are handicapped-accessible both at the beginning of the parade route (103rd & Western) and the south end of the route (115th & Western). Ask a parade marshal (they’re the ones wearing the white windbreakers) or a Chicago police officer in either of those vicinities for exact locations.

Q. How long is the parade?
A. From start to finish, the parade takes about two hours. During that time, spectators will be treated to colorful floats, lively dance groups, and musical entertainment from a plethora of marching and bagpipe bands.

Q. Where can I park?
A. Parking is tough. There are no facilities specifically for parade use, so people try to get spots on the neighborhood’s side streets. But they go fast! The earlier you arrive, the closer you’ll be able to park to the parade route. The later you come, the further you’ll be walking.

Q. What time do the police close the streets?
A. The Chicago Police Department will be closing access into the neighborhood at 99th Street, 119th Street, Kedzie Ave. and Longwood Dr. sometime after 10:00 a.m. on Parade Day.

Q. Is public transportation available to get me to the parade?
A. Metra’s Rock Island District Line will get you pretty close. Get off the train at the 103rd, 107th, or 111th Street stops and walk west. You’ll arrive at the east side of the parade route in under a mile. Metra will add extra cars to its trains that day to accommodate parade traffic. For the schedule, visit www.metrarail.com.

Q. Say I’m marching with a specific parade unit. How do I find my group?
A. If possible, ask the person coordinating the unit for the group’s unit number prior to Parade Day. Then ask a parade marshal to direct you once you get to the route. If you don’t have your group’s unit number, just find a marshal, give him/her your group’s name, and that person should be able to determine your group’s unit number and direct you accordingly.

Q. Will my cell phone work on Parade Day?
A. Maybe, maybe not. With so many people trying to access the same cell towers, phone service can be unpredictable. So make sure to set specific meeting times and places with your family and friends.

Q. Are there any post-parade celebrations in the area?
A. The Beverly Arts Center (111th and Western) sponsors a post-parade party geared toward families with children. Please contact the BAC at 773.445.3838 for more information.