Pictured is Jim O’Connor, who is the busiest person in Elmhurst this week, as Chairman of the 22nd Annual Elmhurst St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which steps off Saturday, March 10 at 12 noon. Jim has been overseeing the entire operation of the parade as usual and things seem to be organized and ready to go – right up to the weather! Don’t miss the parade, it’s is one of the highlights of the year in Elmhurst.
By Dee Longfellow
For The Elmhurst Independent
It’s already time for the wearin’ o’ the green for the year 2018 and that means it’s time to prepare for the 22nd Annual Elmhurst St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which steps off Saturday, March 10. This year’s Grand Marshal will be the Elmhurst American Legion – you’ll find a story and photos all about the organization in the special section inside this issue.
The section includes all the parade news, including a list of the entries. It’s always filled with photos from last year, so look for your friends and neighbors — or yourself!
As usual, the parade will step off at 12 noon from Wilson Street on Spring Road and will march northward toward the railroad tracks just beyond Silverado Grill. But you’ll likely want to show up earlier than that not only to park but also to take advantage of the musical entertainment that will be going on prior to the parade. Music is expected to be performed at the Prairie Path, in front of Ahlgrim Funeral Home and at McKinley and Spring.
Then enjoy a few hours of bands, public works vehicles, City officials, people seeking office in the upcoming Primary election, Scout troops, floats, representatives from various business and organizations in town and those fabulous Irish dancers. Some of the mascots from Chicago’s pro sports teams are expected as well like Southpaw, Benny the Bull and Tommy the Hawk.
The Elmhurst Armpit Orchestra will be on hand this year, making a special effort to raise funds in honor of the late Darrell Whistler, who passed away about a year ago. Darrell was a member of the EAO and a big fan of the parade, often “doubling back” to join several entries. Funds raised in Darrell’s name will go toward a scholarship for a band member at York High School.
After the parade, stick around Spring Road to visit the merchants, restaurants and other establishments, many of whom will offer live music performances for you to enjoy along with green beer (in moderation!) and corned beef sandwiches.
The Elmhurst Independent will be there too, so smile as we drive by because we might just take your picture. Hosted by Elmhurst’s own John R. Quigley and Ken Bartels, Comcast “Elmhurst Our Kind of Town” will be filming the parade for viewing later in the month. After March 17, it will broadcast on Sundays at 3 p.m. and Saturdays at 2 p.m. on Comcast Channel 6 and AT&T Universe Channel 99. It can also be found at ElmhurstTV.com.
Enjoy the day and don’t forget to wear your green!
