Max Wojtowycz, 7, of Algonquin has a jaw-dropping reaction to the start of the St. Patrick's Day parade in East Dundee Saturday. This is his second year attending the parade.
Laura Stoecker/lstoecker@dailyherald.com
The Thom McNamee Memorial St. Patrick's Day parade winded down streets in East Dundee, lined with families donned in green an Irish attire Saturday. McNamee, raised in Carpentersville, planned the first Patrick's Day Parade in East Dundee in 2006. A business owner in East Dundee, he died in 2009.
There was a Fan Favorite trophy based on voting via Facebook. Parade entries were judged for the Best in Community, Entertainment, Family, and Business at the grandstand. In all, 96 units walked the parade route with some handing out treats, necklaces and some even blowing giant bubbles.
There were two St. Patricks at the parade - one was traditional and the other took on a more comical side, with Jason Nowitzki of Carpentersville, portraying the latter. Dressed as St. Patrick for the third year in a row, his outfit included a stuffed animal snake was threaded through a decorative wire cross atop a walking staff, and he passed out tiny toy snakes to the crowd.
Before the parade, the DUbliNDEE Kilted 5K race and walk was held. It benefited the FISH food pantry and Friends of the Fox. Dogs were dressed, or their coats dyed, in all shades of green.
This year's parade queen was Katie O'Connor and the princess was Trinity Kuehl.
Jason Nowitzki of Carpentersville was one of two St. Patricks in attendance at the St. Patrick's Day parade in East Dundee Saturday. In his hand, he's clutching bags of toy snakes he would be passing out to the crowd. This is the third year he's dressed up for the parade.
Laura Stoecker/lstoecker@dailyherald.com
The Greater Midwest Pipe Band marches in the St. Patrick's Day parade in East Dundee Saturday.
Laura Stoecker/lstoecker@dailyherald.com
Daniel James Ullery, 8, of Crystal Lake salutes the flag while The Star-Spangled Banner is played at the start of the St. Patrick's Day parade in East Dundee Saturday.
Laura Stoecker/lstoecker@dailyherald.com
Ben Conley of Oak Park and daughter, Alice, 2, watch the St. Patrick's Day parade in East Dundee Saturday.
Laura Stoecker/lstoecker@dailyherald.com
Dressed as St. Patrick, Jason Nowitzki of Carpentersville opens up bags of toy snakes in preparation of passing them out at the St. Patrick's Day parade in East Dundee Saturday.
Laura Stoecker/lstoecker@dailyherald.com
Minnie the dog takes in the sights after participating in a dog costume contest before the St. Patrick's Day parade in East Dundee Saturday. Minnie is owned by Janine and Hannah McAlpin of Elgin.
Laura Stoecker/lstoecker@dailyherald.com
A green man rides in the parade representing River Lee's (a bar and restaurant in East Dundee) in the St. Patrick's Day parade in East Dundee Saturday.
Laura Stoecker/lstoecker@dailyherald.com