Lingering Winter Can't Stop Oak Forest Fleadh-goers

Winter might not seem to want to quit just yet—but that didn't keep Oak Forest residents from taking to the streets to celebrate the Oak Forest Fleadh.

Some might have stayed in to stay warm, but others layered on the green and lined Cicero Avenue for the 5th annual festival, Oak Forest's own celebration of all things Irish. 

The morning's 5K runners laced up and dealt with lingering snow, while other Fleadh-goers filed into businesses as early as 7 a.m., to take advantage of breakfast specials before the parade. The day is a boon for local businesses. Blarney Stone Pub co-owner Tom Spellman expected to see about a couple of thousand people before 5 p.m., each paying a $5 cover charge from about noon, on. Festivities also included an open bike ride, a family parade and other family-friendly features. Fleadh-goers after the parade warmed up and peeled off the layers in local bars and restaurants, for the pub and restaurant open house.

What was your favorite part of the Fleadh? Tell us in the comments.