Politics & Government
City Of Oak Forest: Oak Forest Fleadh Returns On March 5
The Oak Forest-Crestwood Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Oak Forest will host the 13th Annual Oak Forest Fleadh on Saturday, Ma ...
February 9, 2022
The Oak Forest-Crestwood Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Oak Forest will host the 13th Annual Oak Forest Fleadh on Saturday, March 5. The community event includes the CNB Fleadh 5K race at 8:30 a.m. and the family parade on Central Avenue at 11 a.m.
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“We hope everyone comes out in their best St. Patrick’s Day attire to enjoy this Oak Forest tradition that celebrates fitness, family and fun like only the Irish know how to do,” said Oak Forest-Crestwood Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kim Malecky-Iles. “After the parade, continue to ‘Fleadh Around Town’ by visiting our local bars and restaurants.”
The 5K race starts and finishes at 153rd and Lacrosse – steps away from Oak Forest Bowl, the pre-and post-race host. More than 300 participants are expected to run or walk the 3.1-mile course in the city’s 3rd and 5th Wards. The city will close several neighborhood streets shortly before the start of the 5K race. The closures will be in effect for approximately one hour. For a map or to register for the race, visit www.oak-forest.org.
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The family parade will step off from 151st and Central Avenue at 11 a.m. and head south to the Oak Forest Park District. This year’s grand marshal is Project Fire Buddies, an organization of firefighters who bring joy to kids struggling with serious illness. The group was established by the Oak Forest Fire Department in 2016 and has quickly grown to include 15 regional fire departments.
“We planted the seed for Project Fire Buddies, but it quickly flourished in the hearts of other first responders and community members,” said Oak Forest Firefighter and Founder Kurt DeGroot. “We are excited to shine a light on our fire buddies and their families, who are deserving of our love and support. We look forward to celebrating their strength and courage with the community at the Fleadh.”
For event details, including sponsorship opportunities, race and parade registration, and street closures, please call 708-687-4600, e-mail kim@oc-chamber.org, visit the Fleadh webpage, or follow us on Facebook.
PHOTO: Kelly Ryan Photography
This press release was produced by the City of Oak Forest. The views expressed here are the author’s own.
