House Decorating Contest on South Side: Shamrock Our Blocks

The South Side Irish Parade Committee will host “Shamrock Our Blocks,” an outdoor house decorating contest designed to spread St. Patrick’s Day joy and support for local businesses.

“Each year the South Side Irish Parade draws thousands of people to our community, driving both advance and day of parade purchases at many businesses throughout the area. The Committee wanted to create a plan that gives back to local businesses, as well as offering a family-friendly festive way to celebrate St. Patrick’s day this year,” says Tim McSweeney, Chair of the South Side Irish Parade Committee.

The Parade Committee encourages everyone to creatively decorate the outside of their homes with a St. Patrick’s day theme. Shamrock Our Blocks prizes focus on local businesses and include Grand Prize; $1,000 cash plus $1,000 in local businesses gift cards; second prize, $1,000 in local business gift cards; and third to fifth prizes of $500 dollars in local business gift cards.

All are welcome to enter the exterior house decorating contest, no matter where you live. To enter, simply decorate the exterior of your home, register at www.southsideirishparade.org, snap a photo, and upload it to the Parade Committee at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Entries must be registered and uploaded by March 4. The registration fee is $20 and includes a yard sign.

For those wishing to show local businesses support without entering the house decorating contest, Shamrock Our Blocks yard signs are available for purchase for $20. Proceeds from the contest and yard signs will support local businesses.

Virtual judging will take place based on entry photos. Winners will be announced on the South Side Irish Parade Facebook page on Saturday, March 13.

For more information go to www.southsideirishparade.org or the South Side Irish Parade FaceBook page.

About The South Side Irish Parade:
The parade is operated by the South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Heritage Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, where more than 100 volunteers work year-round to ensure this family-friendly celebration continues for future generations.

Each year the parade is generously supported by major sponsors including the official Irish Whiskey of the South Side Irish Parade, Paddy’s Irish Whiskey, Lakeshore Beverage, The Beverly Review, Raising Cane’s, IUOE Local 399, IUOE Local 150, Chicago White Sox, Flood Brothers, ComEd, County Fair Foods and South Side Irish Imports.

Visit southsideirishparade.org and the parade’s Facebook page for more information on Shamrock Our Blocks exterior home decorating contest and yard sign sale and the South Side Irish Parade.