Oak Forest Raiders To Lead 15th Annual Fleadh Parade

OAK FOREST, IL — Fleadh organizers have tapped this year's grand marshal of its family parade, with the Oak Forest Raiders set to lead the march.

The 15th Annual Oak Forest Fleadh's family parade will step off from 151st and Central Avenue at 11 a.m. March 2, heading south to the Oak Forest Park District.

The Raiders are an instructional tackle football and cheerleading program for boys and girls ages 5-14. For more than 50 years, the organization has emphasized the fundamentals in both football and cheer—giving each child the skills they need to be successful within a safe and fun environment.

"Walking in the parade has always been a great way for us to bring the Raiders family together off the field," said Oak Forest Raiders President Mike Forbes. "We are thrilled to serve as grand marshal during this milestone year. Oak Forest is a wonderful community and a great place to raise a family, and the Fleadh shines a spotlight on that annually. We are truly honored to be a part of it."

Start grabbing your green garb now for the parade, which follows the CNB Fleadh 5K. Hosted by the Oak Forest-Crestwood Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Oak Forest, the Fleadh——a Gaelic term for a festival of Irish music, dancing, and culture—has a schedule jam-packed with festivities.

"We are excited to celebrate 15 years of fitness, family and fun in Oak Forest," said Oak Forest-Crestwood Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kim Malecky-Iles. "It has been incredible to watch the event grow through the years. The community has really embraced it by coming out in all types of weather to enjoy time spent with family, friends and neighbors."

More than 500 participants are expected to run or walk the CNB Fleadh 5K, which starts and finishes at 155th Street and Betty Anne Lane. The pre- and post-race activities will be located inside Fire Station 1 at 5620 James Drive. The city will close several neighborhood streets shortly before the start of the race at 8:30 a.m. The closures will be in effect for approximately one hour. For a map or to register for the race, visit www.oak-forest.org.

After the festivities on Central Avenue, parade-goers are invited to continue the celebration at local restaurants or bars. Many establishments will be offering food and drink specials as well as live entertainment.

Get more information on the Oak Forest Fleadh.