Plans under way for St. Pat’s parade in Plainfield
By Madhu Mayer Correspondent January 9, 2013 10:14AM
Updated: February 19, 2013 11:44AM
Irish eyes will definitely be smiling when the village of Plainfield hosts a popular event for the entire family on St. Patrick’s Day.
The Plainfield Village Board this week approved road closures related to the March 17 Plainfield Hometown Irish Parade and the St. Baldrick Foundation’s fundraiser.
The Village Preservation Association will sponsor the 11th annual parade downtown, while the Knights of Columbus will host the St. Baldrick’s fundraiser in the former Plainfield Fire Protection District’s administration center on Des Plaines Street, just west of Lockport Street.
Planner Jonathan Proulx for the village said the Irish parade will necessitate the closures of James Street; Lockport Street between James and Illinois streets; Illinois Street from Lockport to Commercial streets; and Commercial Street from Illinois to James streets.
The parade will step off at 1 p.m. from Plainfield Central High School and end by 2:30 p.m., said Tom Ruane of the Village Preservation Association.
“Last year, the parade consisted of 65 entries, lasted about a little over a hour from total start to finish and had approximately 6,000 spectators,” said Ruane. “This year, we anticipate 75 entries, a 90-minute start to finish run time and about the same amount of spectators, weather permitting.”
Regardless of whether they are Irish or not, Trustee Jim Racich invited everyone to attend the event.
“It’s a fun event for everybody,” he said.
Additionally, DesPlaines Street from Lockport to Chicago streets will be closed from 6 p.m. March 16 to 6 p.m. March 17 to stage a family entertainment area, featuring inflatables and a viewing stand for the parade.
The Knights of Columbus’ daylong fundraiser for St. Baldrick’s, which raises money for childhood cancer research, is not part of the larger St. Patrick’s Day celebration on March 17, as no food or alcohol will be sold. In exchange for shaving their heads, participants solicit money from family and friends to donate to St. Baldrick’s.
