Parade of thanks
Despite almost constant rain and a thunderstorm midway through, the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce and Development’s 14th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade was a huge success. Parade-goers thumbed their noses at the weather, and parade participants braved the storm proving that folks truly do love a parade!
Parade regulars like Glen Gael Bagpipe Band, Proviso Marching Band and the Medinah Mini Choppers, Clown Unit and Roaring 57s, along with the World Famous Lawn Rangers and newcomers Triton Troupers Circus entertained record-breaking crowds all along Madison Street.
A big thank you to title sponsor B.C. Body Craft (Oak Park), as well as the following parade sponsors for helping make the parade a reality:
Christopher B. Burke Engineering and Mohr Oil (advertising sponsors); Burke Beverage and Doc Ryan’s (Glen Gael Pipe Band); Healy’s Westside (the World Famous Lawn Rangers); O’Sullivan’s Public House (Medinah Mini Choppers), and Altenheim in the Park (Medinah Roaring 57s).
Shamrock Sponsors: Oak Park Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Shortstop Lounge, Forest Park Liquor Assn., Recorder of Deeds Eugene Moore, Chris Guillen Photography, Forest Park Firefighters Local 2753, Louie’s Grill, Roy Strom Refuse, McGaffers, Shanahan’s/La Maison de Bonbon, Eric Entler, St. John Lutheran Church, Thiesse Plumbing, Storino, Ramello and Durkin, Duffy’s Tavern, McAdam Landscaping, Beret Ltd., Forest Park School District 91, MKM Services, American Courier Service, Chicago Westside Condors and Spotless Car Wash.
Your generosity and support is greatly appreciated.
We would also like to thank the village of Forest Park, the Forest Park Police Department and public works for excellent service and continued support, the Howard Mohr Community Center for providing transportation back to the staging area and the Park District of Forest Park for the use of the golf carts and stage. A big round of applause for reviewing stand emcees Geraldine Healy and Martin Lynch.
A parade wouldn’t be a parade without participants and the audience … and we couldn’t pull it off without volunteers. We appreciate your support and endurance! Remember to patronize our sponsors and shop Forest Park!
Laurie Kokenes, Kathleen A. Hanrahan, Bill Hosty,
Judy Trage, Wayne Schauer
Forest Park Chamber of Commerce and Development Parade Committee
