Elmhurst St Pats Parade

so there were plenty of smiles, a contagion of colors with green being predominant, and in general, as billed, a great community celebration today as 40,000 plus marchers and attendees participated in the 25th annual Elmhurst St Patrick's Parade - - - and since Facebook encourages all of us to post some photos, here are a few from today's parade - you are welcome to like, encouraged to tag, please share and comment as you will - certainly you must know someone caught by the camera - and finally a big thanks to Jim O'Connor and everyone who helped make this year's parade possible -- and if you like the photos thank Todd Benson

a perfect day for a community celebration - enjoy a great day here in Elmhurst

nice words from Richard Reichert

Parade Grand Marshal to Show Support for Access Sports

Many believe Grand Marshals can be a bit boring. Nobody has ever accused this year’s Elmhurst St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshal of being boring. In fact, they have been making parade attendees smile and laugh for many years.
This year, The Elmhurst St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee will honor the World Famous Elmhurst Armpit Orchestra (EAO) and the World’s Largest Drum, “Mary”, by naming them Parade Grand Marshal. “When we first marched in the Parade in 2009, we never dreamed we would someday be Grand Marshal”, notes EAO Drum Major, Scott LaMorte. “We love entertaining the folks at the Elmhurst Parade and are honored to serve this year.”
For the 12th time in history, the World-Famous Elmhurst Armpit Orchestra will march in the Elmhurst St. Patrick’s Day Parade. This year’s parade is scheduled to step off at noon on March 5th on Spring Rd. The EAO plays familiar tunes, including “When the Saints Go Marching In,” on kazoos, bucket drums, vuvuzelas, cowbells, handzoo, stumpf fiddle, and other unconventional instruments.

Since its founding, The EAO has raised nearly $20,000 for various charities, including Cystic Fibrosis, Down Syndrome, the Elmhurst Hospital Cancer Center, and college scholarships for York High School music students.
They have also raised awareness and support for the Elmhurst History Museum, the Elmhurst American Legion, and local police officers.
Unlike many other entertaining parade acts, some of which also raise funds for charity, the Elmhurst Armpit Orchestra does not charge an appearance fee for the Elmhurst St. Patrick’s Day Parade. This year, the EAO is proud to raise awareness for Elmhurst’s Access Sports, with special signage on their enormous bass drum.

Over a decade ago, Elmhurst Resident Dena Seidenfuss wanted to make a difference in the Elmhurst community by creating a program that would provide all children access to sports, regardless of their difference. She founded Access Sports, which has provided more than 75 young athletes with disabilities the ability to compete in their own sports league. These athletes can compete year-round in soccer, basketball, baseball, and track. Access Sports enables the opportunity for these children to make friends, exercise, and compete, both on and off the field.
Through sports, Access Sports has provided Elmhurst’s most vulnerable members the opportunity to experience the camaraderie of teammates, the confidence of overcoming fears, and the joy that comes from socializing with their community. With over 100 coaches and youth volunteers, Access Sports has united a community by embracing the compassionate act of inclusion. To find out more information about Access Sports please visit their website, http://www.elmhurstaccesssports.org/.
When they last marched together in 2020, the EAO crowned Vicky Ferguson their 2020 Queen, who has dutifully served two years, with the canceling of the 2021 parade. The late Bob Robertson, Jr. will be honored with the Colleen Cecile Sutherland Distinguished Service Award.

The 25th Annual Elmhurst St. Patrick’s Day Parade steps off at noon on Saturday, March 5th, 2022, from Spring Road and Wilson Avenue in Elmhurst. For information about attending or sponsoring the parade, please visit https://www.elmhurststpatsparade.com/ or call Parade Chair Jim O’Connor at his local garage door business 630-834-0300.

https://elmhurststpatsparade.com/