The little parade that could – and did – is back in 2022.
After a two-year pandemic hiatus, East Dundee’s Thom McNamee Memorial St. Patrick’s Day Parade is set for Saturday, March 12.
“We’ve been waiting for two years to marshal the parade together again,” said Eileen McNamee, chairwoman of the parade committee. “We are going to make it a great one.”
McNamee took up the reins of the event after her brother, Thom, passed away in 2009. He began the parade with a fledgling crew and a handful of spectators in 2004.
Today the parade has grown to some 80 entries and has attracted as many as 15,000 spectators, according to official estimates.
The parade kicks off a day of Irish celebration in East Dundee’s Culinary District with its array of restaurants, bars and brew pubs. Don’t forget to try all of East and West Dundee’s finest corned beef served at more than a dozen local restaurants.
West Dundee festivities include a Big Wheel Race after the parade.
The Irish celebration continues the following weekend with a stunning fireworks display on Saturday, March 19. The fireworks will begin at dusk from the pedestrian bridge over the Fox River north of Illinois 72.
The committee is seeking nominations for our Irish King and Queen from area high schools. Those selected will each receive a $500 scholarship through Spa Bleu in West Dundee, a parade sponsor. Details are available at www.Dundeestpats.org.
A highlight of the day starts early, with the “DUbliNDEE Kilted 5K Race and Fun Walk” (voted into the top 50 themed races in the U.S.) which starts at 8 a.m. at Lifeline Plumbing, Heating and Cooling in East Dundee, 296 Williams Place. Entrance fee includes a kilt, free breakfast, a commemorative glass, and lots more!
Registration is $45 until March 6 and then increases. Register online at DUbliNDEE Kilted 5K Race and Fun Walk. Race proceeds go to help the FISH Food Pantry and Friends of the Fox River.
At 10 a.m. the parade festivities start with a Pet Parade for animal lovers in downtown East Dundee. At 11 a.m. the parade steps off from Rosie O’Hare’s Pub with Irish performers, marching bands, first responders, a color guard and lots of Irish entertainment. Check the website www.dundeestpats.org for registration information.
Other sponsors for this year’s parade include: Bandito Barney’s Beach Club; Village of East Dundee, Lifeline Plumbing, Heating and Cooling; Flood Brothers Waste Disposal; and Windy City Cannabis.
More information at www.Dundeestpats.org.
