The Emerald Dinner, a fundraiser hosted by the West Suburban Irish and coordinated by member Lynda Reilly, again kicked off a colorful month of festivities for the entire community to celebrate the spirit of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. During the annual event on Feb. 23 held at the White Eagle Golf Club, guests were entertained by a troupe from the internationally-known, award-winning Trinity Irish Dancers. After-dinner music for dancing was performed by Cirrus Falcon.
Many elected officials and hopefuls rubbed shoulders as they sang, “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling.” The scuttlebutt at the dinner was that many of the candidates will have entries in the upcoming St. Patrick’s Parade on March 16. That’s a story that wraps up the end of this post.
The 2013 West Suburban Irish Parade Queen also was crowned as she begins her reign during West Suburban Irish events during March.
Kevin Dolan, founder of the Naperville St. Patrick’s Day Parade 20 years ago, escorted WSI Parade Queen Mary Kate Zimmerman into the ballroom as she and her court were introduced to more than 185 guests in attendance.
Dolan also had the honor of crowning the Naperville teen who traces her Irish ancestry mainly back to the Galway region.
An honor student at Benet Academy, Zimmerman is part of the state championship math team and the National Honor Society. She also runs cross country and track. In addition, she dances with McNulty Irish Dancers, and has performed at the Emerald Dinner and marched in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade many times. She will compete in the World Championship Irish Dance in Boston in March. Zimmerman plans to study Foreign Policy in college.
Zimmerman was joined by her attendants Rebecca Marie Cravatta who attends Naperville North High School; Nicolette Geron, Naperville Central; and Victoria Krug, Hinsdale Central.
The WSI Parade Queen and her court are chosen based on Irish ancestry as well as high school and community involvement. The Queen receives a scholarship in the amount of $250 for college expenses.
St. Patrick’s Residence Annual ‘Come To Mom’s House’ Party
From 11:30AM to 3PM on Sun., March 3, the Guild of St. Patrick’s Residence invites the community to a day of merriment, entertainment and fun for all ages to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
The celebration includes Irish musicians, Irish and Scottish dancers, games and face painting for the children, raffle and more. Traditional foods such as Irish soda bread from Winston’s Market, corned beef sandwiches and hot dogs will be available for purchase. The Super St. Patrick’s Sweepstakes include a Grand Prize of airfare to Ireland for two and other Irish surprises.
St. Patrick “himself” will be here to greet visitors and will be available for family photographs. All proceeds will benefit the residents of St. Patrick’s Residence.
For more information, call Madelene Bernar at (630) 416-6565, ext. 511.
Pictures with the Leprechaun at Quigley’s!
Have a free photo taken with the Leprechaun during this family-friendly event from 10:30AM to 2:30PM on Sun., March 3.
Quigley’s Irish Pub is located at 43 E. Jefferson Ave. in downtown Naperville. Breakfast is served on Saturdays and Sundays. Lunch and dinner are served every day.
For more information, visit www.quigleysirishpub.com.
West Suburban Irish Quiz Night
Be there for the Quiz Night of the year beginning at 7PM Tues., March 5, at Quigley’s Irish Pub. Put a team of up to eight players together or compete by yourself. Imagine the fun of the trivia questions just before St. Patrick’s Day!
Also, during this special Quiz Night collectible St. Patrick’s Day scarves will be available for $5 each. All proceeds from the sale of the scarves go to St. Baldrick’s Foundation, the chosen charity of the West Suburban Irish.
WSI Quiz Nights are held on the second Tuesday of most months. The public always is welcome. Arrive a little early to be sure to find a table. No electronic devices are permitted for use in searching for answers. Just count on a little luck of the Irish and play for prizes that follow a theme.
2013 Edition Irish Coffee Contest at Quigley’s
The public is welcome to cheer on local restaurants as bartenders whip up their signature Irish coffee recipes with Jameson Irish Whiskey for the annual Quigley’s Irish Coffee Contest.
Join the festivities beginning at 7PM Mon., March 11, to watch the staged event in the front of the popular pub. Impartial and experienced judges will sip and determine the best for 2013 as many of Naperville’s restaurant’s compete for prizes provided by Jameson’s Irish Whiskey. Nancy Quigley will present the winner with a big trophy that comes with bragging rights for the entire year.
Quigley’s Irish Pub is located at 43 E. Jefferson Ave. in downtown Naperville. For information about the Irish Coffee Contest and other entertainment at Quigley’s, contact Andy Nosek or visit www.quigleysirishpub.com.
West Suburban Irish host Irish Mass
To honor the memory and good deeds of St. Patrick, the West Suburban Irish again will hold a Mass at 7PM Wed., March 13, at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Naperville.
A prelude of Irish harp and flute music begins at 6:30PM.
Irish Mass chairman Mike Reilly and many volunteers will create a memorable evening of Irish hymns and instrumental music.
“We thank our many volunteers, clergy, staff at St. Thomas, the musicians and vocalist, dancers, Knights of Columbus, pipers and drummers,” said Reilly. “And everyone else who makes the event a great success.”
The public is welcome.
After the Mass, guests are welcome to a reception with tea, Irish soda bread, and cookies. Irish dancers will perform.
For more information, visit www.wsirish.org.
Rotary Club of Naperville/Sunrise St. Paddy’s Day 5K
The St. Paddy’s Day 5K will start at 8AM, allowing plenty of time to finish and watch the parade beginning at 10AM. Spectators along the parade route often arrive early to cheer on runners, as the run follows the same route. Every intersection along the parade route will be supervised by sets of parade marshals to ensure every one’s safety.
Registration for the 2013 St. Paddy’s Day 5K is now now closed at http://stpaddysday5k.org/
In 2012, sign-ups reached capacity prior to the event. This year’s deadline had been March 15. Early registration is recommended for this run/walk that kicks off the Chicago running season in downtown Naperville. (At 10:30 AM Feb. 24, 2013, only 195 registrations remained for limited spaces. Registration fee is $40. REGISTRATION CLOSED / MARCH 1.)
Cash awards will be presented to the overall top three runners. Awards also will go to the top three of each age group. Walkers will follow the runners across the start line, with their time being recorded from the passing of the start line to the finish line. Note that the overall three cash award winners are removed from the age categories.
The 3rd Annual St. Paddy’s Day run is set just prior to the 20th Annual West Suburban Irish St. Patrick’s Parade. Plan a whole morning in downtown Naperville and top it off with brunch or lunch at one of more than 40 eateries.
West Suburban Irish 20th Annual St. Patrick’s Parade
Join the fun of Naperville’s 20-year tradition when everybody’s Irish! The annual West Suburban Irish Parade will step off at 10AM Sat., March16, from Naperville North High School and find its way through downtown Naperville.
This year’s Parade Marshall is Kevin Dolan, founder of the Naperville St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 1993. (Dolan is pictured below wearing a collectible WSI scarf from a previous year.) That first year, about 30 entries participated in the short march from Centennial Beach to the Park District headquarters on Jackson Avenue. Today, the parade features some 100 entries, said WSI President Chuck Corrigan, noting the West Suburban Irish nonprofit organization was started several years after the parade.
Under the leadership of Corrigan, far right in the green jacket, these members of the West Suburban Irish are planning the parade and other festivities for 2013.
Interested organizations and marching bands can register through Mon., Feb. 25 to enter the 2013 St. Patrick’s Parade and help celebrate the West Suburban Irish.
The popular parade is a spirited showcase of fun-loving frolic and colorful green; Irish songs, dance and heritage; as well as hopefuls who will be marching to show their community involvement as they’re running to serve local governing bodies in the Consolidated Election on April 9.
For more information or to register, visit www.wsirish.org.
Slainte! Proceeds from West Suburban Irish events benefit St. Baldrick’s Foundation. Their annual Scott’s Walk is slated for Sept. 22.
Naperville loves a parade!
The WSI St. Patrick’s Parade, one of four annual parades in downtown Naperville, kicks off the season followed by the Memorial Day Parade in May, Last Fling Labor Day Parade in September and the Little Friends Parade of Lights in November or December. In between parades, visit the Century Walk murals in Rubins Way, just off Main Street, across the street from Heaven on Seven, John Greene Realtor and Dean’s Fine Clothing. The two murals that grace the exterior walls along the alley depict Naperville’s parades and the tradition of folks who enjoy watching them.
Naperville loves all its events in March! Celebrate safely.
