With parade and more, Palatine warms up for St. Patrick's Day

Palatine's St. Patrick's Day parade was a chance for Irish dancers to show off their skills, local businesses to compete for most elaborate float and candidates for office to shake hands with potential voters.

For some, it also was a chance to burn a few calories and get some fresh air in the midst of festivities that lasted a full day.

The 11 a.m. parade was the centerpiece of the "Paint the Town Green" party that started with Irish breakfasts at places like Durty Nellie's, Emmett's and Tap House and wrapped up with green beer and bagpipers at several locations in the evening.

In between, the band Hooked on Sonics played in a downtown tent and a firkin was tapped at Emmett's, where a spigot is driven into a wooden keg with a wooden mallet.

For those who missed the parade or simply want to relive the Irish spirit, Comcast will broadcast a recording at later dates.