Paint the Town Green in Palatine
Palatine will "Paint the Town Green" Saturday, March 17, with the community's eighth annual St. Patrick's Day celebration that includes a parade and festivities in various businesses throughout the town.
"We've planned a family-friendly day of activities to celebrate St. Patrick's Day," said event coordinator Liz Noe of ElizEvents. "We'll have Irish food, drink, entertainment, a scavenger hunt and we'll be collecting items to support the homeless and near-homeless served by Journeys | The Road Home. This is going to be a great day to be Irish or pretend to be Irish."
The parade, which begins at 11 a.m., will feature 50 entries, including Grand Marshals Lucky McClover and Katie M'Lady. Irish music will be provided by the Midlothian Scottish Bagpipe Band. The Trinity Irish Dancers, the Lucky Little Leprechauns of Dorset Avenue, the Palatine Beer Club & Families and numerous other Irish themed floats will also add to the entertainment.
"He won't give you his pot of gold, but keep an eye out for Lucky McClover and his sweetheart Katie M'Lady," said Noe. "They'll be spreading Irish cheer around town after the parade."
The parade will serve to collect donations for Journeys | The Road Home, an organization serving the homeless and near-homeless in the North and Northwest suburbs. During the parade, marchers with shopping carts will collect food, clothing and disposable paper products for the organization.
The parade begins at the corner of Wood and Oak streets in downtown Palatine and continues west on Wood to Smith and north to Colfax. Donations can also be made at the Irish market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. under a tent outside of Durty Nellie's, 180 N. Smith St., in downtown Palatine.
The festivities begin at the Irish market at Durty Nellie's. The scavenger hunt will accept last-minute registrations at the market. Entrants will be able to pick up their clues at the market, download the app and immediately start the hunt.
Hot chocolate will be provided by Immanuel Lutheran Church and School, Lady Jo's Lids will be selling Irish and traditional jewelry and trinkets, and Journeys will be collecting donations. Colleen & Devin Gallagher will be selling small and large loaves of freshly baked Irish soda bread, and Garfield's Beverage Warehouse will be conducting an Irish wine and beer tasting.
The Irish Market will provide musical and dance entertainment. In addition to Irish favorites, there will be a variety of music throughout the day. The Irish Market will feature the music of Dr. Gerry Aylward and Friends from 10-11:30 a.m., and then the Trinity Irish Dancers will show why their dance school has won 17 world championships. Trinity will provide lessons to market visitors from 12:30-1 p.m., perform several of their dance routines from 1-1:30 p.m. and then again provide lessons from 1:30-2 p.m.
"Entertainment is being planned at a number of local businesses, bars and restaurants throughout the day," said Noe. "Some of the establishments participating are Durty Nellie's, Emmett's Ale House and TJ O'Brien's Bar & Grill. A full schedule of events is available on our website at www.stpatspalatine.com. This festival is going to be a full day of fun for the whole family."
Durty Nellie's will provide music and add Irish treats. They will be serving shepherd's pie, ale battered cheese curds, corned beef & cabbage, Irish quesadilla and more.
Their music schedule starts at noon with One of the Girls until 1:45 p.m., and from 2-3:30 p.m. with Avondale Ramblers. Classical Blast will take the stage from 4-5:15 p.m., followed by the Trinity Irish Dancers from 5:15-5:45 p.m.
There will be no cover charge until after 6 p.m. The Ploughboys will perform from 6-7 p.m., and then Max Dunne will play from 7-8 p.m. Bagpipers will perform from 8-8:30 p.m. The final performances of the evening, will be Hello Weekend from 9-10 p.m. and then Fool House from 10:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m.
Emmett's Ale House will be serving Kegs & Eggs from 9-11:00 a.m., as well as corned beef and cabbage, shepherd's pie, horseradish salmon and corned beef sandwiches in addition to their regular menu throughout the day.
Following the parade, the Palatine Township Republican Organization will hold a meet and greet. Entertainment continues at 3 p.m. with a bagpipe performance in the main bar.
"Joining in on the festivities is Palatine's Irish sports bar TJ O'Brien's Bar & Grill," said Noe. "O'Brien's will be serving Guinness, green beer and a number of Irish dishes, including a corn beef and cabbage dinner."
The "Paint the Town Green" event continues to enhance Palatine's position as a destination town for public festivals. The premier sponsor and presenter of the festival is Durty Nellie's. The media sponsor is the Daily Herald Media Group. Other sponsors include Dr. Gerry Aylward-Chicagoland 4 Braces, Pan American Bank, CLASS Landscaping, AP ltd., Danico Enterprises and ElizEvents, Inc.
For information on the St. Patrick's Day celebration, visit www.stpatspalatine.com or email info@stpatspalatine.com.
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