St. Pat’s party planned
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Share on TwitterDIXON – This year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade and party are a bit special, Rock River Valley Shamrock Club President Pat Gorman notes – for the first time in a long time, they actually will take place on St. Patty’s day, March 17.
Also of note: The annual St. Patrick’s Day 50/50 drawing this year will be donated to the family of Marine Lance Cpl. Adam Devine, 21, of Dixon, who was wounded in action in Afghanistan.
Last year’s raffle raised $2,500 for the recipient.
Tickets are $1, or 6 for $5, or 15 for $10 and are available from any Shamrock Club member, from The Shamrock Pub, Waterfront Gifts, or the Lee County Genealogical Society, all in Dixon, or by calling Dave Lahey, 815-973-7046, Phil Lahey, 815-440-7375, Debb Munson, 815-994-1187, or Gorman, 815-440-5965.
Tickets also will be available during the parade and at the party.
This year’s parade theme is “Ireland Forever.” An award will be given to the float or group that best uses the theme.
Lineup begins at 1:30 p.m., and the parade begins at 3, outside Dixon High School, 300 Chuck Vail Drive, rain or shine.
It will cross the Peoria Avenue bridge, head left along the riverfront, travel up Hennepin Avenue, down First Street to Highland Avenue and then end up at the Knights of Columbus hall at 506 W. Third St.
This year’s parade grand marshal is local historian and Irishman Greg Langan, a man with a strong Irish lineage and membership in both Lee County Irish organizations.
The Dixon native also is a member of The Lee County Genealogical Society, for which he gives many historical programs, and is a third-degree member of Dixon the Knights of Columbus Council No. 690.
The party starts at the KCs immediately after, with music beginning between 5 and 5:30 p.m. Admission is a can of food or a cash donation for the Dixon Area Food Pantry. There will be a traditional Irish feast (more than 800 people gobbled up more than 300 pounds of corned beef at last year’s bash) and the Chicago-based American roots/Celtic soul duo Switchback returns for a special hooley of pub songs.
In addition to the 50/50 drawing, there will be Irish raffles and a silent auction.
Call any of the numbers above for more information, or find the Shamrock Club on Facebook.
Switchback concert
DIXON – After a night of rowdiness at the Knights of Columbus hall, Switchback will hang around town for its seventh annual Irish music concert, at 4 p.m. March 18 in the Dixon High School auditorium.
The Kosier Studio of Dance Irish dancers also will perform.
Admission is $10 for ages 13 and older.
Call Mary Ann Duve, 815-677-2584, for more information.
