Lemont's St. Patrick's Day Festival kicks off Saturday

The village of Lemont will kick off St. Patrick's Day celebrations this year with a parade and festival in the historic downtown area.

The event will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday, and will include authentic Irish music, dancing and refreshments at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5819, 15780 New Ave.

Here's your complete guide to Saturday's activities.

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Where

The parade will start on Stephen Street in downtown Lemont, traveling south to Main St. and west to the VFW Hall at 15780 New Ave.

When

Parade floats will line up at 12:30 p.m. at Lemont Safety Village, 55 Stephen St. The parade will step off at 1 p.m.

The festival will continue at the VFW Hall.

Entertainment

The Chicago Stockyard Kilty Band will play during the parade.

The Hughes Academy of Irish Dancers will perform at 1:30 p.m. at VFW Hall, following by "Celtic sounds" at 3 p.m.

2013 Irish Queen

Kylie Abernathy, a 2012 graduate of Lemont High School, who is now a freshman at Western Michigan University, was chosen by the village as this year's St. Patrick’s Day Queen. 

As this year's queen, Kylie will ride through the streets of downtown Lemont in a horse-drawn carriage, sponsored by Joe Galica of Paradise Banquets in Bridgeview. She will be carrying flowers provided by Petal Play Design in Lemont.

“Kylie is very active in community service and very deserving of this honor,” said Donna Pecina, marketing coordinator for the Village of Lemont. “She is also of Irish ancestry, passed down through many generations. We believe she represents all of the qualities the committee is looking for in the St. Patrick’s Day Queen.”

READ: Village of Lemont Festival Committee Announces St. Patrick’s Day Queen

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