By Patrick Elwood, FOX 32 News at Noon Co-Anchor - bio | email
CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
On a cloudy rain-soaked Sunday the South Side Irish Parade stepped off with smiles wide, hearts warm and weather like you'd find back in the old country.
The honorees for this year's parade --- first responders from the CPD, CFD and Cook County Sheriff -- with special recognition to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Fire Captain Herbie Johnson died several months ago while battling a blaze. Herbie lived a stones through from the parade route and comes from a family of public servants.
From the bagpipers to the marching bands and the dozens of floats, it was easy to see by the friendly faces each step along the way, this year's installment was a real crowd pleaser.
Perhaps the biggest hit of them all was the float by Christmas Without Cancer, a local group who helps families fighting cancer at Christmas time.
Playing the role of good ole St. Patrick was none other than FOX 32's Patrick Elwood.
You have to go with what comes naturally!
Although Pat's Irish grandma Katherine called him little devil more times than he can probably count, he never lets the facts stand in the way of a good story!
Monday, February 25 2013 1:41 PM EST2013-02-25 18:41:37 GMT
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Tuesday, February 5 2013 3:09 PM EST2013-02-05 20:09:54 GMT
Millions and millions of people tuned in to watch the Super Bowl, and including our friends serving overseas. Thousands of Chicago-style pizzas were sent overseas Tuesday.
Millions and millions of people tuned in to watch the Super Bowl, and including our friends serving overseas. Thousands of Chicago-style pizzas were sent overseas Tuesday.
Friday, May 24 2013 12:58 PM EDT2013-05-24 16:58:00 GMT
CTA Ventra payment card holders who use the card's controversial debit features won't be charged for talking to public transit customer service operators or using the cards for cash ATM withdrawals.
CTA Ventra payment card holders who use the card's controversial debit features won't be charged for talking to public transit customer service operators or using the cards for cash ATM withdrawals.
Friday, May 24 2013 12:51 PM EDT2013-05-24 16:51:23 GMT
Hawthorne Scholastic Academy Principal Nate Petrini spent the night on the roof of his school after losing a bet with his students. He challenged his students to a read-a-thon, and they answered the call.
Hawthorne Scholastic Academy Principal Nate Petrini spent the night on the roof of his school after losing a bet with his students. He challenged his students to a read-a-thon, and they answered the call.
Friday, May 24 2013 12:14 PM EDT2013-05-24 16:14:37 GMT
An Evanston high school varsity baseball team will not play in the playoff tournament this weekend after a group of students, including team members, allegedly "sexted" risque photos to each other.
An Evanston high school varsity baseball team will not play in the playoff tournament this weekend after a group of students, including team members, allegedly "sexted" risque photos to each other.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:00 AM EDT2013-05-24 14:00:34 GMT
The Chicago Bears will retire former head coach Mike Ditka's No. 89. The Pro Football Hall of Fame tight end's number will be officially retired during halftime at the Bears' Monday Night Football game Dec. 9.
The Chicago Bears will retire former head coach Mike Ditka's No. 89. The Pro Football Hall of Fame tight end's number will be officially retired during halftime at the Bears' Monday Night Football game Dec. 9.
Friday, May 24 2013 9:35 AM EDT2013-05-24 13:35:46 GMT
Even though the Chicago Board of Education approved the largest public school closure in American history this week, the fight is not over. Opponents will get their day in court.
Even though the Chicago Board of Education approved the largest public school closure in American history this week, the fight is not over. Opponents will get their day in court.
Friday, May 24 2013 9:32 AM EDT2013-05-24 13:32:16 GMT
Some aldermen have questions as a City Council committee gets ready to hold a hearing on Mayor Emanuel's proposed changes to the Chicago parking meter deal.
Some aldermen have questions as a City Council committee gets ready to hold a hearing on Mayor Emanuel's proposed changes to the Chicago parking meter deal.
Former Chicago Bears lineman and FOX contributor Dan Jiggetts is an advocate for preventing the sale of high capacity ammunition magazines in Illinois. He's also working on Rocky's Law with Governor Quinn.
Former Chicago Bears lineman and FOX contributor Dan Jiggetts is an advocate for preventing the sale of high capacity ammunition magazines in Illinois. He's also working on Rocky's Law with Governor Quinn.