No one could blame Kim Malecky-Iles for being anxious as the calendar inched closer to March 5, the date of this year’s Fleadh Around Town in Oak Forest.
As the executive director of the Oak Forest-Crestwood Area Chamber of Commerce, Malecky-Iles last year saw the annual Irish celebration through shifting pandemic protocols, including the 5K going virtual. She was hoping for some luck this year, especially with the weather, as they passed the milestone of 400 registered participants.
Maybe she should buy a lottery ticket. As pandemic cases plunged in the month leading up to the 13th Fleadh, statewide and county restrictions were eased. And at the start of the race, the temperature was an almost ideal 48 degrees and rising, with clear skies ahead.
“We’ve had all types of weather in these past 12 years,” Malecky-Iles said. “I didn’t know what to expect as we progressed from fall to winter to spring, but the race is still popular. It’s awesome. I’m very excited.”
The race began a slate of activities that make up the Fleadh, pronounced “flah” and Gaelic for festival. The event is a joint venture of the city of Oak Forest and the chamber.
“It’s just become a tradition in Oak Forest,” said Chrissy Maher, the city’s communications director. “We’re excited to celebrate.”
That means getting the community out for some fun as the weather starts to turn for the better. The Fleadh also featured a family parade down Central Avenue, restaurants and bars with specials and live music and the bowling alley offering family packages.
“It has a piece for everyone,” Malecky-Iles said. “Fitness, family, fun has been our focus.”
Longtime Oak Forest resident John Koschnitzky said the Fleadh is always a great reason to get together, often bringing back people who moved away. He was happy to see it happening at full force again in 2022.
“It’s great to see people back out,” Koschnitzky said. “They put on a great parade.”
Amy Fisher, of Tinley Park, said the family comes every year.
“It’s just a family friendly fun festival,” Fisher said. “It’s nice to get out and see everybody.”
Rebecca Gasior, of Midlothian, said the family makes a day of it, hanging out at her aunt’s house before coming to the parade. Then, they all go back for corned beef and cabbage.
“It just brings the whole family together,” Gasior said.
Malecky-Iles said the event has always been on the first Saturday of March. Even before the pandemic, it marked a break from seasonally induced isolation as people emerged to warmer temperatures.
“In general, people have been cooped up all winter,” Malecky-Iles said. “I think people are just ready to get out and have some fun.”
The parade featured Irish music, local organizations and plenty of candy. Kevin Szabo Jr. Plumbing for the second year sponsored a Hunt for the $1,000 Golden Ticket, where people searched for a hidden ticket along the parade route to claim the prize. Project Fire Buddies, a nonprofit that supports children fighting critical illnesses and their families, was grand marshal.
“I chose them because I’ve seen the great work they’ve done,” Malecky-Iles said.
Project Fire Buddies was founded in Oak Forest but has since grown to include more than a dozen chapters around the Southland. CEO Kurt DeGroot invited them all to create a motorcade.
DeGroot said it was a huge honor for the organization to be grand marshal. He and other volunteers try to make the children VIPs anywhere they go. That is particularly important to families who tell him it can be hard for children often seen by others as the “kid that’s sick.”
“When they get these moments, it’s really cool for them because they’re not the kid that’s sick,” DeGroot said. “They’re the kid that’s being honored in that situation.”
The morning’s run featured a new route through Oak Forest in an attempt to better highlight the community. It started and ended near Oak Forest Bowl, which also served as pre- and post-race host, and passed St. Damian Church and Oak Forest High School along the way.
Meg Gray, of Oak Forest, walks the 5K every year before heading to the parade. She liked the new route. Gray, along with a few others, noted it was a little hilly, which made it a nice challenge.
“We like being part of Oak Forest,” Gray said. “We love that they do this so that we can celebrate St. Patrick’s.”
Ryan and Danielle Gray brought 9-month-old Everett to his first Fleadh family parade.
“We’re Irish and we love the tradition,” Danielle said.
Ryan Mathes, of Oak Forest, was the overall winner of the 5K with a time of 16 minutes and 51 seconds. Meg Wakefield, of Vernon Hills, had the fastest finish on the women’s side at 20:35. Winners were also awarded in a variety of age groups.
Malecky-Iles said this year’s event came as small businesses really need the support of the community. The chamber held a “keep it local” campaign and encouraged people to visit spots after the parade. The Fleadh also draws people from other towns. The idea is to keep them in the city and hopefully entice them back.
“All of these small businesses have survived,” Malecky-Iles said. “Let’s support them now more than ever.”
Bill Jones is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
