They came from all over the Chicago area and started lining up along Spring Road at 7 a.m. They endured bouts of rain showers, muddy conditions and chilly breezes. It was a far cry, weather-wise, from last year's 70 degrees.

But no amount of inclement weather could stop thousands of families from enjoying another great St. Patrick's Day Parade—the 17th, this year—in Elmhurst.

This parade has everything: green dogs, marching bands, fire and police trucks, mascots, and the Trinity Irish Dancers, who could have had a whole parade of their own with their hundreds of curly cuties.

The Elmhurst Armpit Orchestra pulled up the rear of the parade. It appears they didn't have much luck wooing Bill Murray to Elmhurst on Saturday, but they did have the "World's Largest Drum" with Murray's picture on it. Maybe next year, guys. Keep trying.

And, speaking of next year, the date is set for Saturday, March 8, 2014.

More photos can be found on the official parade website, and we'd love to see some of your favorite photos, of the parade or of the festivities after the parade. Just click "Upload Photos and Videos" on this article.

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