Green, family themes for St. Charles St. Pat’s parade

Eleven-year-old Kate Guillaume got a call from her friend Kate Doherty Saturday with a “green” request.

“She’s like, ‘dress up,’” Guillaume said.

And so they did — with face paint, a green wig, Dr. Suess-like green and white cap and Irish flags as they took in the annual St. Charles St. Patrick’s Parade.

The procession stepped off Saturday in downtown St. Charles, featuring more than 70 entries, groups and floats.

St. Charles resident Dan Doherty brought his 11-year-old daughter and Guillaume and said they’ve been to the parade about five times.

“I like coming downtown and having fun in our downtown area,” the elder Doherty said.

Others came to watch loved ones perform in marching bands.

“It’s a nice little parade. This one’s a good size. I know that band’s my favorite,” said St. Charles resident Susan Litster, whose son, Nicholas, a sophomore at St. Charles East High School, plays the tuba.

Christine Victoria, of St. Charles, brought her father-in-law Joe Victoria, to downtown to see the parade and his grandson, Taylor Victoria, also march in the St. Charles East band.

“Of course, we’re looking forward to seeing he band and all the other schools and floats,” Christine said. “I’m really glad it’s a sunny day and no raining and the wind’s not what it was like earlier in the week. It’s a good day for a parade.”

Organizers also planned other activities to accent the parade, which featured many local politicians seeking the GOP nod in the March 21 primary.

Businesses also sought to capitalize on the event, even places like the Ginger Root Hair Salon, 121 S. First St., that didn’t offer meals or drinks.

Co-owner Kirsten Perelli handed out coupons and shampoo samples in bags with green tissue paper to folks walking toward the parade.

“Normally, today’s my day off,” she said, adding that her receptionist thought of the promotion.

For the rest of the thousands in downtown Saturday, the parade, which highlighted the city’s designation as the top place to raise a family by “Family Circle” magazine, was about family.

Steven and Karen Delaney of St. Charles bought their kids Gabriel, 10, Aaron, 8 and Dorothea, 2.

They were all dressed in various colors of green, including Karen with green boots and Dorothea with a green boa and wings.

“We’re Irish.” Karen said with a smile.