Thom McNamee planned and executed the original St. Patrick’s Day Parade in East Dundee. For the past several years, the McNamee Family Foundation and The Village of East Dundee has kept that memory alive with one of the best St. Patrick’s Day Parades in Chicagoland hosting an entire day of fun.
Parade Day starts off with the USATF certified – Dublindee Kilted 5k Race and Walk. This race is one of Fox Valley’s most treasured traditions according to Top 60 Races Illinois in RaceMob.com. The Kilted 5K has also been named on of the top 50 St. Patrick’s races in the country and draws hundreds of runners. Sign up at the following link: https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/EastDundee/Kilted5K
After the race, come to the Parade Grandstand in front of the East Dundee Depot. Be sure to arrive early for entertainment including acrobat acts, music, dancers, face painting, chalk art, the annual Irish Pet Parade, crowning of King and Queen, the area’s Best Corned Beef award, and an announcement of the Parade’s Honorary Grand Marshall.
The Parade starts at 11:00am and is packed with entertainment, floats, and excitement. The Jesse White Tumblers and the South Shore Drill Team, then a lot of Irish dancing, Celtic Pipe Bands, and many surprises.
When the parade passes the Grandstand, there will be a National Anthem Ceremony complete with confetti and a giant flag presentation. After the Parade, spectators will have many places to enjoy actvities and entertainment all day.
For 2024, organizers have adjusted the timeline for the Irish-themed Firework Display. The James McCulla Jr. Memorial Fireworks are planned for Friday, May 24. Look for more information about how East Dundee plans to honor veterans in the community during the Memorial Day weekend.
For more info visit https://dundeestpats.org/.
