28th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade to honor Elmhurst-Yorkfield Food Pantry
Elmhurst’s 28th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade steps off at noon Saturday, March 8.
The parade features floats, marching units and animated characters along with local organizations, businesses and clubs along a mile stretch.
Don’t miss your chance to see over 80 floats, Irish dancers, the Shannon Rovers, local team mascots, Benny the Bull, Southpaw & Tommy Hawk. Chicago Highlanders, Medinah Clowns, Elmhurst Armpit Orchestra, featuring the world’s largest drum and the York High School Marching Band.
The parade starts from Wilson Street and Spring Road heading north and ending at the railroad one block south of St. Charles Road in front of Silverado Grill.
Ample parking, security and planning will make for comfortable viewing conditions for all family members.
The parade is only the beginning to this festive, day for the food, music and fun is sure to continue as Elmhurst merchants, restaurateurs and friends welcome visitors for this special community celebration.
The grand marshal for this year’s parade will be the Elmhurst-Yorkfield Food Pantry, which is dedicated to providing food, compassion, and hope to our neighbors and children in need. It began in 1983 out of a walk-in closet in the Yorkfield Presbyterian Church.
Concerned church members sought to provide food assistance to struggling neighbors in the area. At that time, the pantry was able to serve about 25 families per week. As demand increased, so did the need for a new food pantry. It opened the doors to its new 2,500 square-foot facility on Jan. 2, 2016. The ADA-compliant building offers their clients a welcoming and dignified shopping environment.
It is open during four shopping shifts per week, including evening and Saturday opportunities. Just like a grocery store, clients can choose the food items that match their family preferences. The pantry offers nutritious choices like meat, dairy, and produce, in addition to a large variety of nonperishable items, breads/pastries, and personal care products.
In 2023, the Elmhurst-Yorkfield Food Pantry fed more than 32,000 people, giving out nearly 250,000 pounds of produce, 10,000 gallons of milk, and 9,000 dozen eggs.
Learn more about the parade at www.elmhurststpatsparade.com.