With St Patrick's Day coming up fast we have a tradition on the South Side of Chicago of the Irish parade.   This has been going on for years and only had a couple years that were missed due to excessive drinking and horrible behavior exhibited while the parade was going on.   My mom lives very close to the parade route and I cannot count on both hands the number of times her yard was used for a toilet...it was disgusting.

The parade is now aimed towards families and it seems to be working.   The parade was very enjoyable this year and except for the rain I couldn't ask for anything better.   Everyone gathers at my mom's house and we eat the traditional corned beef and cabbage and enjoy the people watching.     The majority of the time it is very nice with no drama inside or out of the house!   Nice chance to gather the family before the next major holiday.