St. Patrick's Day parades this weekend
With St. Patrick's Day falling on Thursday, many suburbs and the city of Chicago are getting an early start by holding their parades and activities this weekend. Here's a sampling of what will be happening around the area.
Chicago
The city's 2011 parade steps off at noon, Saturday, March 12, at Balbo and Columbus. The dyeing of the Chicago River happens at 10:45 a.m. Public transportation is highly recommended. More information is available at chicagostpatsparade.com.
East Dundee
The village's annual St. Patrick's Day Parade gets under way at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 12. Step-off will occur at Grafelman Park in West Dundee, and the parade will march east into East Dundee, ending at Rosie O'Hare's Pub. Call (847) 426-2822.
Elmhurst
The city's annual St. Patrick's Day Parade steps off at noon on Saturday, March 12, at Wilson Street and Spring Road. Call Jim O'Connor, (630) 834-0300.
Lake Villa
The annual St. Patrick's Day Parade will step off at noon on Saturday, March 12. A corned beef and cabbage lunch will be served immediately after the parade at the Lake Villa VFW ($6 for seniors and children, $8 for adults). For information, call (847) 356-6100.
McHenry
The Rotary Club of McHenry will host its annual St. Patrick's Day Parade at 1 p.m. Sunday, March 13. Step-off will occur on the north side of McHenry High School East Campus, and the parade will march to Veterans Park Gazebo. Contact Phil Sweeney at getphil@aol.com.
Naperville
Naperville's annual St. Patrick's Day Parade will step off at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 12, from Naperville North High School, 899 N. Mill St. The parade is hosted by West Suburban Irish. For information, call (630) 375-7725 or visit wsirish.org.
Palatine
The village of Palatine will host the first Paint the Town Green event on Saturday, March 12. The day will include a parade at 11 a.m., an Irish market from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and an after-party at Durty Nellie's at 4 p.m. Call (847) 217-1845.
St. Charles
This year's St. Patrick's Day Parade is dedicated to the country's veterans and troops currently serving around the world. The parade, produced by the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by McNally's Irish Pub, steps off at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, March 12, from Main and 6th streets in the downtown area. A dance show will be presented at the Arcada Theater in downtown St. Charles, before the parade, from noon to 2 p.m., with performances by 3rd Street Dance, Beth Fowler School of Dance, St. Charles School of Dance and the Underground Arts Connection. Admission is $1. For information, call (630) 584-8384.