Painting Palatine green
Event organizers in Palatine dubbed their daylong celebration of St. Patrick's Day on Saturday as a “Paint the Town Green” event, and residents delivered.
They lined the parade route wearing variations of green, layered on over their winter coats, before receiving colorful green beads from parade marchers.
“This is super fun,” said Crissy Ocheltree, of Cary, who wore a green and white striped top hat for her hometown celebration. “I just wish it was a little warmer.”
More than 35 entries entertained the crowd, which built steadily as the units approached Brockway Street. In all, more than 500 participants marched, including the McNulty Irish Dancers who wore Irish knit sweaters over their step dancing costumes.
“This is so much fun, seeing all the dancers,” said Marie Thompson of Palatine. “But then I'm South Side Irish, so I had to come.”
She brought 9-year-old Rosemarie Guiffra of Hoffman Estates to experience some of the Irish heritage. The youngster summed up the best part of the festivities in one word: “candy.”
Palatine Mayor Jim Schwantz walked the 1-mile route that started at the police station and ended in the central business district, near the train station.
Though the village did not help pay for the event, which was organized by local residents, it did support the concept.
“I think it's great. Anything that brings people into downtown Palatine is a good thing,” said Schwantz, who went from walking the parade route to leading a “firkin tapping” ceremony by driving a spigot into a wooden keg at Emmett's Ale House.
After the parade ended, families poured into the Palatine train station seeking warmth and to check out the Irish market. It featured live music and entertainment as well as 10 merchants selling jewelry, purses, baked goods and flowers.
From there, revelers continued to Durty Nellie's to hear live entertainment during the afternoon before the restaurant hosted an “after party” starting at 4 p.m. that featured the Celtic Punk Rockers and Flatfoot 56.
“This has been great,” said Brad Hurley of Cary. “The kids had a good time, our wagon is loaded up with beads and candy. It was worth the trip.”