Celebrate All Things Irish in Downtown Palatine Saturday, March 16th!

A day full of Irish fun is set for Saturday, March 16 in downtown Palatine to celebrate St. Patrick – including a Traditional Irish Breakfast, the Durty St. Pat’s Parade, and the legendary after party at Durty Nellie’s, located at 180 N. Smith Street. Everyone will have the luck o’ the Irish on this day of festivities, sponsored by Durty Nellie’s, in partnership with Vicarious Multimedia.

Breaking News – the Durty St. Pat’s Parade Queen and King have now been named! Queen Michelle Rushing and King Brent Elstrom are both Palatine residents and have donated much of their time and energies to volunteering for the Palatine community’s benefit. Michelle has been a commissioner, baseball and softball coach for the Palatine Youth Baseball Association, team manager for the Palatine Amateur Football Association (PAFA), was heavily involved in her children’s PTA and now with the Fremd Booster Club, and is a donor and sponsor for numerous nonprofit organizations and events. Brent has served through volunteering for PAFA as president, a board member, and head coach over the last nine years. He was also recognized by the Palatine Park District as the Volunteer of the Year for PAFA in 2022.

So here follows the itinerary for this day full of fun! The Traditional Irish Breakfast will be served from 8:30-10:30 a.m. before the parade at Durty Nellie’s, including rashers, bangers, eggs, baked beans, mushrooms, grilled tomatoes, Irish soda bread, black pudding and hash browns–along with fruit and pastries. The cost is $25 per person and includes an Irish-themed cocktail. The Durty St. Pat’s Parade steps off at 11 a.m.–led by the American Legion Color Guard, and followed by Queen Michelle and King Brent, at the corner of Wood and Oak streets. The Irish-themed After Party follows at noon, and will include Irish music, dancing, food, and much merriment.

“We are so excited to be able to host this 12th anniversary of our St. Patrick’s celebrations once again,” said Durty Nellie’s Owner Jimmy Dolezal. “I invite every single area resident to come out and enjoy this day of revelries as our community comes together to support the many establishments in our downtown area, including Tap House Grill and TJ O’Brien’s who have partnered with us this year.”

The Durty Nellie’s after party includes fan favorites: the Trinity Irish Dancers, Chicago Highlander bagpipers, Bridgeport Port Ramblers, Celtniks band and Exit 147, along with returning bands and first-time performers. An Irish-inspired menu will launch Wednesday, March 13 and be served all weekend (March 15-17). Traditional Irish Breakfast guests can save receipts and present them for free admission (1 per cover) on St. Patricks’ Day to enjoy Irish food and entertainment starting at noon.

There’s still time to register for the parade! Visit durtystpats.com and click “Be in the Parade.” Businesses/organizations looking to increase their promotional reach can become a sponsor, by clicking “Become a Sponsor.” The deadline for parade registration or becoming a sponsor is March 6.

Thank you to Durty St. Pat’s sponsors: A Closer Bond, Greater Palatine Area Democrats, Hogan Irish Dancers, Palatine Township Republican Organization, Trinity Irish Dancers and Vito & Dollenmaier Law!