We surely know how to have fun here in Kane County, IL.

And if you don’t believe that statement, we offer as evidence a couple of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations coming up this weekend.

First, what would St. Patrick’s Day in Kane County be without the Kilted 5K Run/Walk in Dundee? Part of the “Irish I Was in DunblinDee” celebration, the 5K is one of the most popular St. Patrick’s Day events in the region.

Add to that all the other stuff going on in East Dundee and West Dundee, and you’ve got yourself a weekend. There’s fireworks, the Thom McNamee Memorial St. Patrick’s Day Parade, a pet parade, Irish Rebel Door competition and much more.

Go to www.dundeestpats.com for the full lineup. The kilt 5K starts at 8:30 a.m. and the parade kicks off at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 11.

About the Thom McNamee Memorial St. Patrick’s Day Parade

This year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade will march South from Wenholz Avenue and Water Street and then East on Barrington Avenue and then South on River Street, ending at Jackson Street.

The Grandstand will be located on River Street just South of Barrington Avenue in front of the East Dundee Depot.

A Fan Favorite trophy will be presented, based on voting via Facebook, so don’t forget to vote for your favorite parade entry.

The parade at the grandstand will kick off at 11 a.m. Saturday with an Irish Song, and as the parade approaches the grandstand, veterans will present colors and perform the National Anthem. Parade entries will be judged for the Best in Community, Entertainment, and Business at the Grandstand.

St. Charles St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Always one of the Fox Valley’s favorites, the St. Charles St. Patrick’s Day parade has become a family tradition.

Thousands of people of all ages line Main Street to watch the antics of cheerful leprechauns, listen to award-winning local marching bands, watch the elaborate and colorful floats glide down the street, pay tribute to the walking units of veterans, hear the melodic strains of the Celtic pipe bands, and see all the best that St. Charles has to offer.

The parade steps off at steps off at 2 p.m Saturday, March 11, on Main and 6th Street, and travels down Main Street to 4th Avenue. The parade is organized by the Downtown St. Charles Partnership, so visit www.downtownstcharles.org for more information.

Please note that the dog costume contest will NOT be taking place this year, but the Downtown St. Charles Partnership is hoping to find an interested sponsor and have it return in 2018.

This St. Patrick’s Day, discover your Lucky Side in Downtown St. Charles!

SOURCE:  the Downtown St. Charles Partnership and Dundee St. Pats websites