Date Set For South Side Irish Parade Fundraiser

You can almost hear the sound of bagpipes and dancing shoes as March 10 marches ever closer. 

The South Side Irish Parade Committee announced the details of a pre-parade party and is inviting community members to attend. 

The fundraiser is set for Saturday, Feb. 15 at 115 Bourbon Street. 

The fun kicks off at 7 p.m. and goes until midnight. The $30 tickets will get you a buffet dinner and draft beer. Raffle tickets will also be sold for a chance to win $10,000. The night will feature live music. The Matt Ladd Band and Sean and Charlie will be performing.

Last year's event drew over 1,000 attendees. The funds raised will go toward the the cost of hiring a private security firm for the parade and to reimburse the city for parade expenses. 

You can purchase tickets online. 

A new component has been added to the parade this year. A one mile race down Western Avenue dubbed the Emerald Isle Mile will start at 11 a.m. on March 10 and the parade will follow at noon. Organizers expect parade entires to be up slightly from last year's 65. 

Updated Jan. 10, 11 p.m.