Preparations for Palatine's St. Patrick Day Celebration underway

Christmas is still two weeks away, but organizers of the annual "Paint the Town Green" St. Patrick's Day celebration in Palatine are already signing up participants.

Applications for the March 11 parade and Irish market are being taken now through Jan. 31. Forms are at www.stpatspalatine.com. A limited number of openings for the Irish market will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

The parade will begin at 11 a.m. from Wood and Oak streets, go west on Wood to Brockway and north to Colfax. The Irish Market will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. under a tent outside of Durty Nellie's, at 180 N. Smith St.

Event Coordinator Liz Noe said entertainment is being planned at businesses, bars and restaurants throughout the day and a full schedule of events will be available in early February.