Celebrating in St. Charles

Miss Illinois, bagpipe groups and Irish dancers are among those taking part in the St. Charles St. Patrick's Day parade on Saturday.

The parade will start on Main Street from Sixth Street and proceed east to Fourth Avenue.

This year's grand marshal is news anchor Rob Johnson, who will ride on a float sponsored by McNally's Traditional Irish Pub.

McNally's, which has been a major sponsor of the St. Patrick's Day Parade, looks forward to it every year.

"I think it's a great thing for the city," said McNally's Entertainment Manager Erin Breslin. "It brings business into town, and it's great for families."

"It's close to our hearts," added Manager Megan Atieh. "We love to be a part of it."

McNally's has also become a popular place for spectators to watch the parade, offering drink specials, and shelter from potential cold weather.

"We're right on the corner. It's a great vantage point," explained Atieh. "It's packed all day long."

Wherever people watch the parade, there will be plenty to see.

"This is a great way to get outside after being cooped up all winter, and see the sights and sounds of Ireland," said Darleen Riebe of the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce.

Radio personalities from 103.9 FM -- Jim Shea, Jeff James and Mark Mesozzi -- will be riding through downtown St. Charles in their Boogie Bus, and Miss Illinois Ashley Hatfield will be aboard the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce float along with some special guests -- the winners of the chamber's 2008 St. Patrick's Day coloring contest.

Also participating are several Irish bands including the City of Chicago Pipe Band, Chicago Stock Yard Kilty Band, Midlothian Scottish Pipes, Chicago Police Department Emerald Society Pipes & Drums, and the Tunes of Glory. The parade will also highlight Irish dancers, floats made by many St. Charles businesses, the St. Charles East High School Marching Band, and of course leprechauns.

After the parade the public is invited to a free performance by the Copeland Dance Academy and St. Charles School of Dance at the Arcada Theatre.

If you go

What: St. Patrick's Day Parade

Where: Main Street, downtown St. Charles

When: Begins at 2 p.m. Saturday