Kids & Family
Your Complete Guide to Lemont's St. Patrick's Day Festival
Saturday's festivities will kick off with a parade through downtown Lemont at 1 p.m.
The village of Lemont will kick off St. Patrick's Day celebrations a week early this year with a parade and festival in the historic downtown area.
The event will run from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and will include authentic Irish music, dancing and refreshments at , 15780 New Ave.
Here's your complete guide to Saturday's activities.
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Where
The parade will start on Stephen Street in downtown Lemont, traveling south to and west to VFW Hall.
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When
Parade floats will line up at 12:30 p.m. at Lemont Safety Village, 55 Stephen St. The parade will commence at 1 p.m.
The festival continues through 5 p.m. at VFW Hall.
Entertainment
The Chicago Stockyard Kilty Band will play during the parade.
The Hughes Academy of Irish Dance will perform at 1:30 p.m. at VFW Hall, following by "Celtic sounds" at 3 p.m.
Soda Bread Contest
What would an Irish festival be without some delicious soda bread? The village will hold a contest for best soda bread during festivities at VFW Hall.
All entries must be dropped off by 3 p.m. Judges will rate appearance, authenticity and taste. The baker must be present to win.
2012 Irish Queen
senior Mary McKevitt was chosen by the village as this year's . As the 2012 Irish Queen, she will wear a green dress during the parade and ride in a horse-drawn carriage.
Trustee Jeanette Virgilio said of McKevitt's selection: "The Festival Committee unanimously agreed on Mary's nomination. We believe that she represents all the qualities that the committee looks for in the St. Patrick's Day Queen."
According to Donna Pecina, marketing coordinator for the Village of Lemont, nominees for the St. Patrick's Day Queen were required to demonstrate a strong commitment to school or community service, and could not be younger than high school juniors or older than college sophomores. While Irish heritage was preferred, it was not required.
READ:
Reminder: Police to Conduct Roadside Checks
The Lemont Police Department will conduct roadside safety checks and safety enforcement zones throughout the St.Patrick's Day holiday weekend, village officials announced last week.
Past St. Patrick's Day Coverage
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