The Village of Lemont is gearing up for its annual St. Patrick's Day parade and festival, set for March 10 in the historic downtown area.

The village's festival committee is looking for families, organizations and local businesses interested in marching or entering a float in the parade, which will begin at 1 p.m. The parade, which will be led by Lemont's Irish queen, will travel south on Stephen Street and west on Main Street to the Veterans of Foreign War Post 5819, 15780 New Ave.

Following the parade, there will be Irish dancing, musical entertainment, refreshments and a soda bread contest at the VFW until 5 p.m.. Soda bread entries must be dropped off by 3 p.m.

The village is also seeking nominations for the St. Patrick's Day queen. The contest is open to Lemont residents, high school juniors through second-year college students, preferably of Irish heritage. The candidate must demonstrate an active involvement in school or community service.

The 2011 St. Patrick's Day Queen was Lemont High School senior Abigail Korte.

Those interested in participating should call Village Hall at 630-243-2700.