I think we should think about bringing the South Side Irish Parade back under entirely different conditions.
The new parade will be dedicated to the families of our neighborhood and will be composed entirely of local families, local businesses and local churches and schools. No more beer companies or politicians in the parade. The glamorization of alcohol abuse, in any way will be banned. There will be no alcohol served at parade committee meetings and all meetings will be held in a building without a liquor license.
We will have to go to great lengths to prevent the mistakes of the past. No more solictitation of north side bar owners, no parking for buses within 5 miles of the parade, maybe even be sure the Western ave bars are closed on parade day and that outbound Metra trains don't stop in Beverly that day.
The parade will be our parade and outsiders will not be welcome. Rowdies or anyone with alcohol in the public way will be arrested.
If it's done like I outlined, it may work. Why not?
