Where to find a green party for St. Pat's Day
If you want to share some St. Patrick's Day fun with your kids, there's no need to head downtown. Communities throughout the suburbs are hosting their own parades packed with family friendly entertainment. So dress in green and hope the luck of the Irish can bring some nice weather.
St. Charles
Main and 6th streets, St. Charles, (630) 584-8384; dtown.org
When: 2 p.m. March 7
Festivities start before the parade, with a St. Patrick's Day dance show from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Arcada Theater, 105 E. Main St. Tickets are $1 and include performances by four local dance schools and the McNulty School of Irish Dance.
The parade has more than 80 entries, including the City of Chicago Pipe Band, The Chicago Police Department Emerald Society Band, The Chicago Highlanders, the Midlothian Pipe Band, the Stockyard Kilty Band and Tunes of Glory. Along with floats you'll also spot stilt walkers and leprechauns, Irish dancers and local high school bands. Chicago Bull Bill Wennington serves as marshal for the parade and after the event he'll be signing autographs at Real Time Sports Bar, 584 S. Randall Road, which also hosts bagpipers.
Naperville
Naperville North High School, 899 N. Mill St., Naperville, (630) 375-7725; wsirish.org
When: 10 a.m. March 14
Parade route: South on Mill Street to Jefferson Avenue, east on Jefferson to Main Street through downtown, then south on Main to Water Street
The 16th annual parade boasts more than 100 entries this year. Participants include bagpipers, Irish dancers, the fire department and local youth groups and sports teams. The event has previously brought out more than 5,000 spectators, many getting into the spirit by wearing green, dressing up as leprechauns or covering themselves in shamrock accessories. Crowds are biggest in the downtown area where you can duck into nearby stores to warm up or grab drinks. For additional Irish fun, stop at Quigley's Irish Pub, 43 E. Jefferson Ave., after the parade for an awards ceremony and pub food.
Elmhurst
Wilson Street and Spring Road, Elmhurst, (630) 834-0300; elmhurststpatsparade.com
When: Noon March 14
A tradition for the last eight years, Elmhurst's parade regularly brings out thousands of viewers. Entertainment includes four groups of Irish dancers and bagpipe players with giveaways throughout the event. Locals often set up their own lawn parties and barbecues to watch the parade pass through the residential areas, while downtown bars and restaurants are packed with people.
Lake Villa
Palombi Middle School, Lake Villa, 133 McKinley Ave., (847) 356-1076; lake-villa.org
When: Noon March 14
Parade route: Grand Avenue, east onto Cedar Avenue
More floats have signed up for Lake Villa's parade this year than ever before, some of which will be blasting Irish music. Other entertainment is provided by the Glengael Pipe Band and Lake County Community Band. All viewers are asked to bring non-perishable food for the Lake Villa pantry and Lions Club members will be collecting donations throughout the parade. The route ends at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post at 130 E. Grand Ave. with a corned beef and cabbage luncheon. Food is $7.50, $5 for seniors and children under 12, and is served until 3 p.m. For anyone who doesn't like corned beef hot dogs are also available.
East Dundee
Bandito Barney's, 10 N. River St., East Dundee, (847) 426-7300
When: 11 a.m. March 14
Parade route: North on River Street, west on Barrington Avenue, north on Water Street
The third annual parade is packed with entertainment. Participants include The Great Lakes Navy Band, the Kane County Mounted Rangers, the Midlothian Scottish Pipe Band, the Mayer School of Irish Dance and the 8th Illinois Cavalry Civil War re-enactors. The parade ends at Rosey O'Hare's for a party with Irish food and drink specials including corned beef sandwiches.