Elmhurst St. Paddy's Parade Brings Thousands

ELMHURST, IL – Thousands came out for Elmhurst's St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday, which local leaders say is the second-largest St. Paddy's parade in the Chicago area.

There was no rain on the parade, with clear skies and temperatures in the mid-40s.

Bands, businesses, athletic teams and local organizations took part.

It is less than a month before local elections, so plenty of Elmhurst politicians joined the event. Both mayoral candidates, Mayor Scott Levin and challenger Mark Mulliner, walked the route, with Levin doing so as part of the parade entry for city officials.

Near the end of the parade route, a group of small children playfully shouted to politicians, "No candy, no vote." They even extended that chant to parade participants who were not running for office, including businesses.

They got candy nonetheless, even though the children will not join the rank of voters for a decade or more.

Children grab candy thrown on the street during Saturday's St. Patrick's Day parade in Elmhurst. (David Giuliani/Patch)

Veterans from Elmhurst's American Legion post were near the start of Elmhurst's St. Patrick's Day parade on Saturday. (David Giuliani/Patch)

As it does every year, York High School's marching band played tunes for parade-goers. (David Giuliani/Patch)

U.S. Rep. Jesus "Chuy" Garcia, a Chicago Democrat who represents Elmhurst, gives out freebies Saturday during Elmhurst's St. Patrick's Day Parade. (David Giuliani/Patch)

Mark Mulliner, a candidate for Elmhurst mayor, waves to parade-goers in Saturday's St. Patrick's Day Parade. (David Giuliani/Patch)

Elmhurst Mayor Scott Levin gets ready to pass out goodies to parade participants Saturday. (David Giuliani/Patch)

Crowds line up Spring Road during Saturday's St. Patrick's Day Parade. This was one of the sizable gaps in the procession. (David Giuliani/Patch)