Oak Forest Fleadh 2022 Survival Guide: Times, Routes, Post-Parade

OAK FOREST, IL —The south suburbs' rambunctious, annual pre-St. Patrick's Day celebration is scheduled to take place this Saturday, March 5. Oak Forest officials told Patch that Fleadh, an all-day celebration of Irish heritage and music, will feature a 5K run, family parade and many bar and restaurant events.

Fleadh Cheoil is celebrated in Ireland as a music and dance competition. While multiple towns compete in the weeks leading up to March, an all-Ireland Fleadh festival is hosted the first Saturday the month of St. Patrick's Day.

Oak Forest-Crestwood Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Oak Forest co-host the celebration. While COVID-19 restrictions curtailed some Fleadh events in 2021, all festivities will be conducted in-person this year.

Here's your complete survival guide for 2022 Oak Forest Fleadh:

8:30 a.m.

Oak Forest Fleadh 5K

• A new route for the 5K, which was conducted virtually last year, runs by Oak Forest landmarks such as St. Damian Church, Oak Forest High School and Valley Kingdom Ministries.
• The race begins and ends at Oak Forest Bowl and is sponsored by the bowling location and CNB Bank.
• ATI Physical Therapy will offer free stretching and prep for runners before the race kicks off.
• Find the 5K route here
• Information on parking to watch the 5K can be found here

11 a.m.

Family Parade

• The Fleadh parade will begin at 11 a.m. from 151st Street and Central Avenue
• Members of Project Fire Buddies will lead the parade as grand marshals.
• Those watching are encouraged to wear green, bring a bag for tossed candy, and hunt for the $1,000 prize hidden along the route provided by Kevin Szabo Jr. Plumbing.

Those looking to register to be in the parade can sign up here.

Post Parade Events

• Pot O' Gold Raffle
  • Purchase a Pot O' Gold Raffle ticket for $20 for a chance to win $1,500, $1,000 or $500.
  • Whoever sells the first prize winning ticket will receive $100.
  • The drawing will be held via Facebook Live on St. Patrick's Day.
  • To purchase a ticket, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 708-687-4600.
• Music and Deals at Oak Forest Bowl
  • Oak Forest Bowl will have deals on food, drinks and bowling March 5.
  • Irish music will be played by the Chicago Stockyard Kilty Band at Jakes Pub
  • Deals on bowling games will be available for residents from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Book Sale at Acorn Library
  • The Friends of Acorn Library are hosting a book sale on March 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Gently used books and DVDs will be available for purchase.
• St. Baldrick's Fundraiser
  • St. Baldrick's will be raising money for Julia's Legacy of Hope March 5
  • Participants can donate and have their head shaved at Gaelic Park 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Blarney Stone Pub
  • Local performances from Sean and Charlie, Sunfallen, and DJ Matt following the parade.

Street Closures

During Fleadh 5K

• The area most impacted is 149th to 156th streets from Long to Lacrosse avenues.
• Street closures are from approximately 8:15 to 10 a.m. View the route.
• NO PARKING on the 5K route from 7 a.m. - 10 a.m.

During Family Parade

• Street closures from approximately 10:45 a.m. to noon.
• Central Avenue from 151st to 157th streets will be closed
• 151st Street from Hille Middle School to Central Avenue will be closed

Notes from Fleadh organizers

• Use the hashtag #fleadharoundtown to share photos and posts from March 5
• The city's public intoxication and open container ordinances will be "strictly enforced," according to a social media statement.
• Leprechaun activities will not be taking place this year.

Event sponsors:

CNB Bank & Trust
Abendroth Accounting & Tax Services, Inc.
Kevin Szabo Jr Plumbing - Local Plumber
Oak Forest Bowl and The Park
Specialized Staffing Solutions Inc.
SHE 100.3
Strive ABA Consultants,LLC
Oak Forest
Oak Forest-Crestwood Area Chamber
Baxter & Woodman
Oak Forest Family Dental
ThorntonPowell Insurance Agency
Blarney Stone Pub Oak Forest
Ink City Pro
People’s Bank - Mark Iles
ATI Physical Therapy
Alderman Paul Selman
Valerie Shalati - Realtor - Keller Williams Elite
Susan Semanate: Allstate Insurance
Project Fire Buddies