BEVERLY — Rumors swirled on Friday that Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump plans to march in the South Side Irish Parade.
Longtime parade booster James "Skinny" Sheahan couldn't confirm the news, but joked that he might wear a Trump costume if The Donald didn't show up himself.
South Side Irish Parade organizer Joe Connelly said he started to hear the rumors Friday morning and started getting hounded by reporters mid-afternoon. But he couldn't confirm whether Trump would be on hand for the annual St. Patrick's Day parade on Western Avenue.
"Unless he's coming and has not made his intention known we have not received any word on our end, nor have we made any preparations for his presence," Connelly said.
Trump's campaign spokeswoman did not immediate return messages seeking comment.
Chicago police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said the city has not been made aware of plans for Trump to march in the parade.
Connelly said organizers typically turn away anyone, even politicians, who don’t register to march in the parade in advance.
“But if a presidential candidate showed up I’m sure we’d find some way to accommodate,” Connelly said.
The last time a presidential candidate marched in the South Side Irish Parade was in 1992 when Bill Clinton walked down Western with his wife, current Democratic presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton.
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