Viewfinder

Thousands Turn Out for Elmhurst's Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade

Temperatures in the 30s didn't deter these lovers of all things Irish.

The smell of corned beef filled the air as thousand of parade-goers lined Spring Road for Elmhurst's annual St. Patrick's Day Parade March 12. The parade featured more than 80 floats, marching units and animated characters, along with local organizations, businesses and clubs. Entries included the Chicago Highlanders, York High School Marching Band, Medinah Shriners and several Irish dance schools. After the parade, Spring Road bars, including Spring Inn, Doc Ryans and Silverado, filled with revelers for some traditional Irish fare.

• Photos (33)

Someone You Should Know

Meet the Man Behind Elmhurst's St. Patrick's Day Parade

Jim O'Connor is keeping it green in Elmhurst; the parade steps off at noon Saturday at Spring and Wilson.

Every year, for the past six years, Jim O’Connor has been sprinkling a little luck o' the Irish over Elmhurst's St. Patrick’s Day parade. That's how long he’s been parade chairman, but he's been involved with the parade much longer than that—ever since Doug Kuester, Scott and Charity Ahlgrim, Frank Catalano Sr., former Mayor Tom Marcucci and Silverado owner Jack Island launched the parade in 1996. “So, in actuality, a German started the parade,” O’Connor said, referring to Kuester, who passed away in 2003. O’Connor said he took over the parade by default because he was the only one in the group with a business (Elmhurst Garage Door Service) that could handle all the parade calls.  “We’ll get about 70 calls the week before the parade,” O’…

•  1 Comment
• Photos (4)

Grab & Go Kids Planner

We've Been Waiting All Year for This: Springy Weather and Elmhurst's 'World Famous' St. Patrick's Day Parade

Make a spring planter, take in a one-man show, and, of course, don't miss the best St. Patrick's Day parade there is.

Each week, we'll give you the info on the five best family activities or events for the weekend. You're time-pressed enough, so we're happy to do the research and find the best things to do and places to go, both locally and within reasonable striking distance. Look for the kids’ planner each Wednesday, and help us build the planner with your own suggestions and tips—just add them to the comment box. Even if you disagree with our picks, let us know. We want to hear from you! • ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE Where/When: Noon Saturday, stepping off at Wilson Street and Spring Road. Why Go: The 15th annual parade heads north up Spring Road. Pricing: Free. • FOOLING BUDDHA Where/When: 8 p.m. Friday, 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, and 3 p.m. and 7:30…

• Photos (1)

Hail the Emerald Queen of Elmhurst

Entrants vie for the title and the chance to ride with the Jaycees in Elmhurst's 15th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Six young women, some dressed with a spot of green, found themselves waiting patiently at the Elmhurst Public Library to give perfect and polished interviews. They weren’t facing prospective employers, they were up in front of Elmhurst Jaycee members who would select the very first Emerald Queen for Elmhurst’s 15th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade Saturday, March 12. The idea was the brainchild of the nonprofit organization. After almost two hours of interviewing and discussion, it was time for a decision. Then, things took a surprising turn. Impressed with all the entrants, judges decided to not only crown a queen but her court as well. Elmhurst resident and Elmhurst College student Katie Schroeder, 21, was the winner. Entrants Rosie Folks…

• Photos (2)