Plainfield celebrates St. Pat’s Day
From Submitted Reports March 11, 2013 11:00PM
Updated: April 13, 2013 6:06AM
The 11th annual Hometown Irish Parade will step off at 1 p.m. Sunday, St. Patrick’s Day, from Plainfield Central High School, 24120 W. Fort Beggs Drive.
Over the years, this rite of spring has grown to an array of fun events that draw thousands of people to the village. Plans for this year include a family activities tent, food vendors and a music-filled parade, in addition to the traditional favorites like the bike decorating contest, inflatable jumpers and pub crawl for the grown-ups.
For information, call 630-234-5755, or go to plainfieldirishparade.com.
Traffic changes
The parade will cause traffic tie-ups and delays in and around Plainfield.
Unless participating in, or viewing the parade, motorists are encouraged to avoid the downtown area and a portion of Route 126 between 12:30 and 3 p.m. Sunday.
Starting at 1 p.m. Saturday, Des Plaines Street south of Lockport Street will be closed for the placement of a tent.
Starting at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, police will begin closing the following roadways:
James Street from Fort Beggs Drive to Lockport Street
Lockport Street from Main Street (Route 126) to Route 59
Illinois Street from Lockport Street to Commercial Street
Commercial Street from Illinois Street to James Street
Chicago Street from Illinois Street to Fox River Street
Ottawa Street from Illinois Street to James Street
Des Plaines Street from Oak Street to Ottawa Street
Fox River Street from Lockport Street to Commercial Street
All streets will re-open as soon as parade has cleared area, however, Des Plaines Street between Oak Street and Chicago Street will remain closed until 6 p.m. for after-parade festivities.
No traffic lanes on Route 59 will be closed, however motorists should be advised that traffic backup and delays are expected.
Parade route
Parade staging and line-up will begin at 11 a.m. Sunday at Plainfield Central.
The parade will begin at Plainfield Central, travel north on James Street to Lockport Street, travel east on Lockport Street to Illinois Street, travel south on Illinois Street to Commercial Street, and travel west on Commercial Street to James Street, travel south on James Street back to Central.
No parking will be allowed along the parade route beginning at 6 a.m. Sunday until the conclusion of the parade.
Parking areas have been designated at Plainfield Central, and the village municipal lots on Des Plaines Street (across from the old Plainfield Fire Protection District fire station), and Illinois Street (next to the library). Handicapped parking will be accessible across the street from the old fire station, 15025 S. Des Plaines St., and also accessible on the north side of Chicago Street between Illinois Street and Des Plaines Street.
Anyone with questions can contact Commander Ken Ruggles at 815-267-7211.
