The year was 1997 and a group of Elmhurst business people saw their dream of an Elmhurst St. Patrick’s Day Parade become reality. Among that first Parade’s sponsors and entries, was 2024’s Parade Grand Marshal, Community Bank of Elmhurst.
Community Bank of Elmhurst has marched in all 26 Elmhurst St. Patrick’s Day Parades and been a major sponsor every year. The Bank has also sponsored and led the York Community High School Marching Band in the Parade for more than 20 years.
“We couldn’t make this parade happen each year without sponsors like Community Bank of Elmhurst (CBE),” according to Parade Committee Chair, Jim O’Connor. “CBE has graciously sponsored Elmhurst’s own York High Marching Band for many years. They also provide Parade planning support, helping with some of the administrative tasks of running a parade.”
O’Connor continues, “CBE’s Nancy Brook helps the Committee by printing and arranging over 100 Parade marshal packets for each year’s event. I can’t think of an organization more deserving of being honored this year.”
Community Bank will once again proudly lead and sponsor the York High Marching Band in this year’s parade. “Several of the same Bank employees and directors who marched in that first parade will be marching again this year,” shares CBE president Rich Reichert. “The Parade is sort of the unofficial beginning of spring for many Elmhurst residents.”
“Our Bank family loves the Parade and our community. And we are extremely proud of the talented kids in our public high school’s marching band, and we look forward to continuing this tradition for many years to come.”
3 Fun Facts about Community Bank’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade Participation:
• CBE Director Emeritus and renowned Elmhurst volunteer, the late Darrell Whistler, was known for carrying his treasured shillelagh in each year’s parade.
• Long-time CBE employee Nancy Brook can’t stop dancing when York’s Marching Band plays crowd favorite, “Hey Baby!”
• Community Bank’s 3rd basement is rumored to be headquarters of the World Famous Elmhurst Armpit Orchestra.
