Oak Forest Fleadh: St. Patty's Parade, Open Streets, 5k, adult tricycle relay race and party time/excellent – Saturday, March 13

Get ready to jog, bike and partay…

The Active Trans Planning Team has been working on a non-motorized transportation plan in Oak Forest and we have grown mildly obsessed with that city. On Saturday, March 13, Oak Forest is having a super fun event and we'd love it if you joined us in the celebration. Oak Forest is taking the opportunity celebrate St. Patty's Day in the absence of the usual South Side Parade. This all-day/night event includes a 5k race, a morning of Open Streets, a St. Patrick's parade, an adult tricycle relay race and an Irish Soda Bread contest and lots of specials at bars and restaurants.

The Metra runs from the LaSalle Street station straight to Oak Forest! We will have an Active Trans booth so stop by and say hi!

Lots more info below and here: http://www.oak-forest.org/community/OakForestFleadh.asp

Happy (almost) St. Patrick's Day!!
Katie Tully

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What is the Oak Forest Fleadh?

The Oak Forest Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the
City of Oak Forest, will host the 1st Annual Oak Forest Fleadh
(pronounced “flah”) on Saturday, March 13, 2010 on Cicero Avenue between 151st Street and 159th Street. The Fleadh – Gaelic for “festival” – will include a 5K race, open bike ride, family parade, customer appreciation celebrations, and the 2nd annual pub and restaurant open house.

Customer Appreciation Parties – 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Hosted by local businesses, you’ll enjoy free parking, refreshments and entertainment while watching the open bike ride and parade.

Fleadh 5K Run – 9 a.m.
Midlothian Meadows
Sponsor: National City
Register Below www.signmeup.com/68268

On Cicero Avenue from 151st Street to 159th Street…

Open Bike Ride – 9 a.m.
Sponsor: Active Transportation Alliance

Family Parade – 11 a.m.
Parade Honoree: Chicago Gaelic Park

Pub & Restaurant Open House 5 p.m. – 3 a.m.
A free shuttle will take you to local pubs and restaurants offering food and drink specials and free entertainment.

The shuttle will stop at the Best Western Oak Forest Hotel, which is offering a special rate of $69.99 + tax.

Parking
Free parking is available in the Arbor Commuter Lot at the southwest corner of 159th Street and Oak Avenue. Access to the lot is from Oak Avenue. The free shuttle bus will be making stops at the Metra train station. Gaelic Park will also be offering free shuttle service from their parking lot to Cicero Avenue.

Street closures and traffic control
Cicero Avenue, from 151st Street to 159th Street, will be closed on Saturday, March 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The city's Emergency Management Agency has a plan in place to redirect non-local traffic and allow local traffic to get through the adjacent neighborhoods.

Please drink responsibly
The Oak Forest Fleadh is a family-friendly event. Alcohol is only permitted inside designated areas such as beer tents, beer gardens, pubs, and restaurants. The city's public intoxication and open containers ordinances (135.00) will be strictly enforced.

For further information and to register your group for the parade visit
http://www.oak-forest.org/community/OakForestFleadh.asp

There's something for everyone at the Fleadh (flah)!