Mayor Scott Wehrli, pictured here with his wife, Lynda, served as Grand Marshal in the 2024 West Suburban Irish St. Patrick’s Parade. Continuing to celebrate Irish heritage with its rich history distinguished by the Irish Potato Famine that began in 1845, the West Suburban Irish will recognize Loaves & Fishes Community Services as 2025 Grand Marshal, honoring the nonprofit’s vision to end hunger and transform lives. (PN File Photo 2024)
West Suburban Irish Report
Get ready to wear green and embrace the luck of the Irish as the West Suburban Irish (WSI) proudly hosts the 2025 Naperville St. Patrick’s Day Parade. This annual celebration of Irish heritage and community spirit will step off at 10AM Sat., March 15, from Naperville North High School, headed south along Mill Street, bringing thousands of spectators to downtown Naperville for a morning filled with music, merriment, and festive fun.
Rain or shine, shenanigans will be had!
Honoring Loaves & Fishes as Grand Marshal
The West Suburban Irish is honored to announce Loaves & Fishes Community Services as the 2025 Parade Grand Marshal. For the first time in parade history, an organization—rather than an individual— will receive this distinguished recognition. This honor comes as Loaves & Fishes celebrates 40 years of serving the community and providing essential food and resources to those in need.
“Ireland’s history is marked by the Great Hunger of the mid-1800s, which led to the death and emigration of millions. That experience remains deeply ingrained in the Irish spirit,” said Rich Janor, Chairman of the Naperville St. Patrick’s Day Parade. “Loaves & Fishes’ mission to end hunger in our own community strongly resonates with that history, making them a truly deserving Grand Marshal.”
“We are incredibly honored that Loaves & Fishes has been selected as the first-ever organization to serve as Grand Marshal of the Naperville St. Patrick’s Day Parade,” said Mike Havala, President & CEO of Loaves & Fishes Community Services. “The parade is a wonderful reminder of how strong our community is when we come together, just as we do to ensure people have access to healthy food and vital resources. We are grateful to the West Suburban Irish for this opportunity and look forward to celebrating at the parade.”
Honoring the Legacy of Kevin Dolan
This year’s parade will be especially meaningful as WSI honors the memory of Kevin Dolan, the visionary who started the Naperville St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 1993. Kevin, who recently passed away, leaves behind a lasting legacy of community, celebration, and Irish pride.
“Kevin Dolan’s passion and dedication built the foundation for what has become one of Naperville’s most beloved traditions,” said Matt Jones, President of the West Suburban Irish. “His passing leaves a large hole in our hearts, but we know he will be looking down on us and smiling on parade day. It is our privilege to carry on the tradition he started.”
To honor Kevin’s legacy, the parade will introduce the Kevin Dolan Founder’s Award, recognizing a float entry that best embodies the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day.
“In Kevin’s honor, we are proud to introduce the Kevin Dolan Founder’s Award, which will be given to the parade entry that best reflects Irish pride, community spirit, and the joy of St. Patrick’s Day,” said Janor. “This award is a fitting tribute to Kevin’s vision and the enduring impact he had on Naperville.”
Join the Celebration!
The Naperville St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a free, family-friendly event open to all. Whether marching in the parade, sporting a collectible WSI scarf or cheering from the sidelines, everyone is invited to celebrate Irish heritage and community spirit.
Parade Route
- Starting Point: Corner of Mill Street and Ogden Avenue (Naperville North High School)
- South on Mill St. to Jefferson Avenue (left turn)
- East on Jefferson Ave. through downtown to Main Street (right turn)
- South on Main St. to Porter Avenue (right turn)
- West on Porter Ave.
- Ending Point: Webster and Porter (Naperville Central High School)
West Suburban Irish
West Suburban Irish (WSI), Inc. is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Naperville, IL, dedicated to cultivating a genuine appreciation and understanding of Irish heritage, culture, language, music, art, literature, and sports across the western suburbs of Chicago. Guided by the motto “Friendship, Fun, Service,” WSI has brought joy to thousands through parades, cultural events, and charitable giving since its founding.
For more info, visit wsirish.org.
News released by Colleen Doyle for West Suburban Irish. PN File Photos.
PN Editor notes one more thing… Registration is now underway for the 16th Annual Sunrise Rotary St. Paddy’s Day 5K to take place beginning at 8AM on Sat., March 15, in Downtown Naperville. Presented in cooperation with the West Suburban Irish, the St. Paddy’s Day 5K is held immediately prior to the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The race is one of the first certified 5K’s of the running season in the area. Click here for more info.
