Andy Avalos Of NBC 5 Named Tinley Park Irish Parade Grand Marshal

TINLEY PARK, IL — Andy Avalos, meteorologist at NBC 5 Chicago, will be the grand marshal for this year's 19th annual Tinley Park Irish Parade, the Downtown Tinley business organization that helps organize the event announced Thursday. The parade will be 2 p.m. March 18 along Oak Park Avenue.

Avalos was chosen thanks to his years volunteering for PAWS of Tinley Park, the group said. He and his wife also work with foster-based Half-Way Homes Animal Rescue, a nonprofit shelter in Orland Park.

Spots are available for individuals and groups to participate in the parade, too. Entry forms can be found at and downloaded from the Village of Tinley Park website. The fee for individuals and nonprofit groups is $15, and it's $50 for village businesses. Political groups and non-Tinley Park businesses can enter for $100, and $200 for unions and large corporations.

Applications need to be submitted to Village Hall by March 2.

19th Annual Tinley Park Irish Parade

When: 2 p.m. March 18

Where: Along Oak Park Avenue

More Info: Go to the Downtown Tinley Facebook page for more details, and go to the Village of Tinley Park website for entry forms.

Andy Avalos (Photo via NBC 5 Chicago)