Adult Big Wheel rally in West Dundee

On St. Patrick's Day on Saturday, March 14, Emmett's Ale House in West Dundee hosts the second annual Adults Big Wheel Rally with contestants gathering at the starting point in Graffleman Park for the 10 a.m. start. Adults will mount big wheels and race down the Washington Street hill vying to capture the winning trophy.

After the Big Wheel race, revelers will gather at Emmett's Ale House to join in the 10th annual "Follow the Firkin" parade. A 10-gallon keg, properly known as a "firkin" of Emmett's specially brewed Irish Dry Stout is carried through downtown West Dundee, complete with bagpipe music and thirsty parade participants, led by Brewmaster Ryan Clooney.

Upon returning to Emmett's Pub, the firkin is hoisted on to the bar, and with great reverence and ceremony, the tapping of the first keg is officiated by West Dundee Village President Larry Keller. Awards for the big wheel rally winners will be presented after the keg-tapping. Bag pipe music will be heard throughout the restaurant into the afternoon.

At 3:30 p.m., there will be a special pub quiz at Emmett's, presided over by the ever-popular Adjudicator, Bill Margeson. Several teams of four people each will compete in several rounds of trivia categories to see which team will prevail. Topics include general knowledge, current events, music, movies, pop culture, etc.

Starting at 7:30 p.m., the Irish group, Kingsfold, will round out this festive day providing entertainment in Emmett's second-floor banquet. If you haven't gotten into the Irish spirit yet, Breda and Fergal King are sure to get you there. There is no cover charge for the entertainment. For details, call (847) 428-4500.