No Luck for Lincoln: Northcenter Officials Nix Irishfest Idea

Northcenter officials came to a “mutual decision” to nix the idea of adding another street festival for Lincoln Avenue this year.

The North Side Irishfest—hosted by the Northcenter Chamber of Commerce—would have been a three-day celebration of the neighborhood’s Irish culture.

Traditional Celtic entertainment and food from local merchants was slated along the same Lincoln Avenue footprint as Ribfest, also organized by the chamber.

But the proposed weekend for Irishfest caused hesitation with some officials and residents. Sept 13-15 coincided with Yom Kippur and followed one week after the Von Steuben Parade.

“There come a point where it’s a saturation of festivals,” said Ward 47 Ald. Ameya Pawar. “That doesn’t mean we wouldn’t approve another one with the Northcenter chamber next year or the year after.”

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Chambers can throw two street festivals a year, which both need to be approved by the alderman.

Both Pawar and Chamber Executive Director Garret FitzGerald announced a mutual decision to forgo a second festival in Northcenter Friday.

“Garrett (FitzGerald) does an amazing job with supporting the community,” Pawar said. “This is about finding the right place and time to do it, and in order to do that, he needs to take some time on the planning side.”

Dozens of residents contacted the alderman’s office to support and speak against the proposed festival and nearly 25 came out in June for a community meeting.

While some complained of the inconvenience of street festivals, others recognized the benefits they could provide to local businesses. As with the chamber’s Ribfest, local organizations and schools would receive grant funds for volunteering their time at the festival.

"If we're taking hit for two weekends to do it, it's worth it,” resident Jason Ramirez said at the June 25 meeting. “This neighborhood has grown because of it and people are coming here.” 

In a news release, both the alderman and chamber officials said a 2014 event is still possible.

“We’re responding to many voices in the community with this decision and want to balance all interests,” Pawar said. “Although there was support among residents and businesses to hold the event this year, we are holding off in order to work with the chamber and community to create an event that is well planned and supported with a good date and location.”

Read more: 

• Northcenter Considers Killing Summerfest to Create New Irish Fest
• Residents Divided on New Street Festival Concept for Lincoln Avenue