Bagpipers, Floats And Candy Highlight Tinley Irish Parade (VIDEO)

TINLEY PARK, IL — St. Patrick's Day might have been Saturday, but that didn't mean a little celebrating couldn't be left for Sunday. And the Tinley Park Irish Parade was just the answer for that.

Bagpipe players, dance groups, floats and a leprechaun or two marched down Oak Park Avenue for the village's 19th annual event. Hundreds of spectators were decked out in green for the parade, lining the downtown street on the sunny and mild spring day.

NBC 5 Chicago meteorologist Andy Avalos was the parade's grand marshal, and he was chosen because of his years volunteering for PAWS of Tinley Park. But the highlight for many of the kids in the crowd was the candy and other swag tossed by parade participants.

Couldn't make it Sunday to the Tinley Park Irish Parade? Check out Patch's live stream video of the event. Even if you attended the parade, Patch gives you a view alongside parade entries as they marched down Oak Park Avenue.

ORIGINAL STORY

TINLEY PARK, IL — St. Patrick's Day might be Saturday, but that doesn't mean a little celebrating can't be left for Sunday. And the Tinley Park Irish Parade might just be the answer for that.

Before you head out to the procession Sunday, here's everything you need to know to enjoy the event to the fullest.

The Basics: 19th Annual Tinley Park Irish Parade

When: 2 p.m. Sunday, March 18

Where: The parade runs north on Oak Park Avenue, beginning at Central Middle School, 18146 S. Oak Park Ave. The viewing area is from White Egret Court to the creek north of 172nd Street. The reviewing stand and parade announcer will be at Primal Cut Steakhouse. Check out the map for the full route.

Who Will You See: The parade's grand marshal is NBC 5 Chicago meteorologist Andy Avalos, and he was chosen thanks to his years volunteering for PAWS of Tinley Park. Avalos and his wife also work with foster-based Half-Way Homes Animal Rescue, a nonprofit shelter in Orland Park.

Along with Avalos, more than 80 groups and businesses also will be participating in the event.

The Judging: Floats and participants will be judged in the following categories: amateur, professional, performance group, vehicle and walking group. Judges are Yoli Cox of Breathe Fitness; Dr. Toni Scott-Terry of Allure Laser Med Spa; and Matthew Clair of Matt's Barber Shop.

What Not to Bring: Alcohol. The parade is a family friendly event, and open alcohol is not prohibited along the route, something the Tinley Park Police Department will be enforcing.

More Info: Go to the Downtown Tinley Facebook page and the village's website for more details.

Road Closings

Oak Park Avenue will be closed to all vehicle traffic between 183rd and 171st streets from 1:30 to around 5 p.m.

Starting at 2 p.m., traffic will not be allowed along 171st Street, east of Oak Park Avenue. Eastbound traffic at 171st Street and Oak Park Avenue will be sent north along Oak Park.

Hundreds turn out for the 19th annual Tinley Park Irish Parade on Sunday, March 18. (Photos Joe Vince | Patch)