Wheaton girl picked to queen's court at Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade

Lauren Corry has fond childhood memories of watching the Chicago River dyed green and the famed St. Patrick's Day Parade that follows.

But the 23-year-old Wheaton native never thought about being a part of the Chicago tradition until her roommate mentioned applying for the parade's queen contest.

"It sounded cool," said Corry, a graduate student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. "I thought, 'Man, I love the St. Patrick's Day Parade. It would be sweet to be near the front.'"

After being chosen from more than 120 contestants to be in the Queen's Court, Corry is getting that sweet ride at noon Saturday seated in a convertible during the 55th edition of the parade, which is sponsored by the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local Union 130.

More than 350,000 people are expected to watch the 171-unit procession move north on Columbus Drive, from Balbo Drive to Monroe Street.

"This is a rite of spring," said Kevin Sherlock, the parade coordinator. "When the St. Patrick's Day Parade goes down the street, everybody knows that winter is over."

For Corry, it's a chance to make new friends and meet interesting people.

In addition to participating in the parade, Corry and her fellow court members - including parade Queen Kerry Ann Brennan of Orland Park - are attending a string of civic, neighborhood, parish and Irish events. For instance, they will appear Friday night at a dinner hosted by Chicago's Irish Fellowship Club.

The daughter of Wheaton Councilman Liz Corry, Lauren said she is most looking forward to meeting Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley on Thursday.

In fact, there are so many events planned that Corry is bound to miss some classes at U of I, where she is pursuing a master's degree in art education.

"Luckily, my teachers have been really supportive," Corry said. "They understand that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

While balancing her studies, job as a teaching assistant and role as a Queen's Court representative takes effort, it's still "fun work," Corry said.

"I really needed this," she said. "I wanted this. Luckily, I have the kind of schedule that could allow for me to do this. And it's been fun. Who doesn't want to meet the Eli's Cheesecake president, or go to city hall in Chicago? These are all really neat things that I am happy to be doing."

Ironically, the roommate who tipped her off to the parade queen contest ultimately chose not participate in the Feb. 21 competition at the Stephen M. Bailey Auditorium in Chicago.

Because Corry never participated in the contest before - or even a beauty pageant for that matter - she didn't know what to expect.

The contest was open to any young women of Irish ancestry who have never been married and are between ages 17 to 27. Contestants were judged on "grace, sincerity, beauty, poise, personality and wit," according to Sherlock.

"The caliber of these young ladies is unbelievable when you look at some of their resumes," he said.

Corry said she relied on her educational background, public speaking skills and past experience as a competitive cheerleader to get her through the five rounds of judging.

"I know how to smile and compose myself," said Corry, who graduated from Wheaton Warrenville South High School in 2005. "I was a cheerleader and have good stage presence and people skills. So I think that worked in my favor."

It also didn't hurt to have plenty of emotional support from mom and dad. Liz and Bill Corry were there the entire day to watch their daughter compete.

Of course, the long day ended with a joyous outcome.

"My mom was crying, and she was on the phone calling everybody," Corry said. "My dad was texting people and taking pictures."

Now Corry's friends and family members are planning to gather in downtown Chicago Saturday to watch the parade.

"It really is like something in a dream," she said.

Will she make another run for the queen post next year?

"I don't know. We'll see," Corry said. "If I have an amazing time, then I think I would love to do it again. But even if I don't do it again, I will be very happy."

<p class="factboxheadblack">If you go</p> <p class="News"><b>What:</b> Chicago's St. Patrick's Day Parade</p> <p class="News"><b>When:</b> Noon Saturday, March 13</p> <p class="News"><b>Where: </b>Starts at Columbus and Balbo drives and moves north on Columbus</p> <p class="News"><b>Who:</b> Sponsored by Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local Union 130</p> <p class="News"><b>Info:</b> <a href="http://chicagostpatsparade.com" target="new">chicagostpatsparade.com</a></p>