Applications Open For South Side Irish St. Patrick's Parade Queen

CHICAGO — A year after making its grand return following a two-year hiatus, the South Side Irish Parade is now just a month away and applications are now open for candidates hoping to serve as the annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration’s queen.

The contest is open to any young woman of Irish ancestry between the ages of 21 and 30 and applications must be accepted by Saturday. All applicants must be available on Feb. 25 to go through the South Side Irish Parade interviews and judging process.

The queen is expected to represent the annual South Side Irish Parade, which will be held on March 12, and is also expected to attend sponsored events and charitable community outings.

The announcement of the queen’s selection will take place at the South Side Irish Parade Kickoff party, which will be held on Feb. 25.

Contestants are expected to dress in semi-formal attire and participate in the interview and judging portion with a panel of judges on Feb. 25.

Last year’s parade drew an estimated 26,000 visitors as the parade returned following an absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Bailey O’Connell, a Mount Greenwood resident, presided over the event as queen after being chosen for the honor in 2020.

The application for the queen’s role for this year’s parade can be found by clicking here.