Archer Avenue St. Patrick's Day Parade Dedicated To Fallen CPD And CFD

CHICAGO — Archer Avenue will be going green Saturday, March 15, for the beloved St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The 2025 edition of the Archer Avenue St. Patrick’s Day Parade, presented by Chicago's Working Families steps off at noon.

Organizers claim theirs to be Chicago’s longest running St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which didn’t sit out the 2020 pandemic. The Archer Avenue parade has become a beloved tradition on the South Side. The parade will follow Archer Avenue east from Oak Park Avenue to Merrimac.

This year’s honorary grand marshals are Chicago Police Officers Enrique Martinez, James “Jim” Crowley, Luis Huesca and Areanah M. Preston and Chicago firefights Jermaine Pelt, Lt. Kevin Ward, Lt. Jan Tchoryk and EMT Andrew Price. All died in the line of duty serving the City of Chicago. Crowley died last August from injuries he sustained in 1987 when a drunk driver hit his patrol car.

The annual Chicago Working Families Archer Avenue St. Patrick’s Day Parade, founded by a collaboration between the International Union of Operating Engineers and the Clear Ridge Men’s Social Athletic Club,

This year's honorary grand marshals are fallen Chicago police and firefighters, including Chicago Police Officers Enrique Martinez, James “Jim” Crowley, Luis Huesca, and Aréanah M. Preston. Chicago Firefighters Jermaine Pelt, Lieutenant Kevin Ward, Lieutenant Jan Tchoryk, and EMT Andrew Price.
The family-friendly parade features scout troops, Clear Ridge Little League players, the Shriners’ Motorcycle Brigade, bagpipe bands, Irish dancers, floats and more.

Proceeds from parade sponsorships and participants will benefit the Get Behind the Vest program and the EMWQ Retirees’ Widows’ and Children’s’ Assistance Fund.