The West Suburban Irish are set for their 30th Anniversary St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 11, 2023, a time when the fun-loving group will celebrate new beginnings.
The West Suburban Irish (WSI) has announced the celebration of the 30th Anniversary of their Naperville St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Since 1993, the annual parade has attracted spectators to downtown Naperville on the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day. This year’s parade begins at 10AM on Sat., March 11, 2023. The event once again will delight spectators from across the western suburbs with a mix of floats, marching bands, costumed dogs, entertainers and a portrayal of St. Patrick himself.
This year’s Grand Marshal, longtime Naperville resident and annual parade participant John Drohan, will lead the parade festivities.
New season, new WSI leadership & new location for Irish Fest
Also, this year the nonprofit group is celebrating new beginnings with all the joys of spring on the horizon, a new president of WSI and a new downtown location and date for the club’s annual Irish Fest, organizers said. For 2023, Irish Fest is set for Friday and Saturday, Sept. 22 and 23, in Naperville Central Park.
“We are so excited to celebrate new beginnings with the Naperville St. Patrick’s Day Parade this year,” said Matt Jones, newly-elected president of the West Suburban Irish. “It’s one of Naperville’s signature events and we’re excited to host it for the 30th year in downtown Naperville”
The WSI St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a family event celebrating Irish heritage and culture—and everybody’s welcome to put on something green to celebrate the day. Typically, the parade attracts more than 3,000 participants and 15,000 spectators to downtown Naperville.
Registration for parade participants and floats is now open at www.WSIrish.org.
Naperville St. Patrick’s Day Parade Details
The parade staging area again will be held at the Naperville North High School south parking lot before launching at 10AM on Mill Street, toward downtown Naperville.
The banner day will continue as the parade runs south along Mill Street, turning east on Jefferson Avenue before turning south on Main Street, and ending at Water Street.
Sláinte!
Sláinte, the Irish word for cheers and good health, is pronounced [SLAHN-chə] as though the T were silent. Pronunciation should sound like “slawn-che.” Begorra!
Report submitted by Paul Santucci, West Suburban Irish Parade Chairman. PN File Photos.
(Click Here) to PN Photo Galleries / WSI St. Patrick’s Parade
