By Madhu Mayer
Considering all the mass shootings that have taken place the Village of Plainfield is taking all the precautions to make sure people who attend the 2023 Irish Parade are safe.
The Plainfield Village Board Monday approved road closures for the 2023 Irish Parade, which will step off from Plainfield Central High School at 1 p.m. Sunday, March 12.
This year’s event will mark the 19th annual Parade in downtown Plainfield. With a maximum of 80 entries, the parade normally takes about 90 minutes from start to finish. Crowd sizes the previous years have been dictated by weather, as attendance can range from 4,000 to 8,000 depending on if it is cold and snowy or unseasonably warm.
“The Irish Parade has become the kick-off for Plainfield’s special events season,” organizers said. “In 2022, weather was ideal, putting the estimated crowd size at 10,000 spectators.”
To keep everyone safe, organizers have warned participants on floats to not throw items to the crowd. Anyone who violates this rule will be banned from future parades.
Manpower for the parade will cost the village about $6,130, with employees from the police, public works’ departments, community service and Plainfield Emergency Management Agency providing help with security, clean up and street sweeping.
“After several high-profile tragic accidents at special events in 2021 and 2022, the need for public safety at special events has significantly increased,” according to information provided at Monday’s board meeting. “Police staffing numbers and costs will reflect those increases moving forward.”
Briana Murphy of Plainfield said the higher cost is worth it, especially during these times when mass shootings have become more prevalent in society.
“I am glad police will be on hand to make sure everyone stays safe during the parade,” she said. “Unfortunately, recent tragedies dictate it.”
