Hundreds of community members marched through the Flossmoor Park neighborhood in a Saint Patrick’s Day parade that began and ended at the Flossmoor Community House on the afternoon of Saturday, March 15.
The annual parade was launched 18 years ago as a small neighborhood event that Flossmoor Park residents informally organized. Later, the village got involved and made it an official event, leading to wider participation among residents throughout Flossmoor.
“A bunch of neighbors got together and wanted to celebrate locally instead of going to the city,” said Nicole Castagna, assistant to the village manager and the village’s communications manager, describing the origins of the annual Saint Patrick’s Day parade. “It’s an active, participating type of parade. Most people who come actually walk it.”
As the crowd prepared to march through Flossmoor Park, traditional Irish music played on the loudspeakers. The village provided green derby hats featuring the Village of Flossmoor logo and green sunglasses shaped like four-leaf clovers.
While some participants wore the attire provided by the village, others brought their own green hats, shirts, necklaces, sunglasses, wigs and costumes.
Before the parade, a group of youngsters held up large, paper cutouts of letters and lined up next to each other, spelling out the name “Flossmoor.” Participants smiled, laughed and took photos.
Flossmoor resident Joe Nordman wore a green costume with his dog Otis who donned a green sweater and bow tie. Nordman said the two of them march in the parade every year.
“It’s a nice day today – better weather than it has been,” Nordman said. “Springtime’s coming.”
During the parade, it was sunny and about 70 degrees in Flossmoor.
Flossmoor village trustee candidate Troy Holmes socialized with residents and officials, shaking hands and giving hugs.
With a microphone in her hand, Flossmoor Mayor Michelle Nelson gave safety tips for participants, especially for kids on bicycles.
“I’ve got a special Flossmoor blessing for the Saint Patrick’s Day parade,” Nelson said. “May your troubles be less and your blessings be more. And may peace, love and happiness always cross your door here in Flossmoor. Happy Saint Patrick’s Day, everybody!”
The Flossmoor Fire Department trucks alerted participants that the parade was beginning, making noise and leading them in the right direction. The Flossmoor Police Department followed along at the end of the parade.
Marchers waved to the Flossmoor Park residents watching the parade pass them by from their porch and yards. Some onlookers sat in green chairs. While many participants rode bicycles, at least one rode a scooter. Others walked their dogs, including dogs in green costumes.
Castagna greeted participants outside the Flossmoor Community House when they completed their journey. She wished them a Happy Saint Patrick’s Day, said “Good job, you made it!” and took photos.
After the parade, participants filed into the Flossmoor Community House. Homewood-Flossmoor High School students Isabelle Asche, Isaac Hernandez and Jukhi Peebles sat at a table, providing them with cupcakes and lemonade.
Hernandez said he was invited to assist the Saint Patrick’s Day parade because he’s an H-F Key Club member. Asche and Peebles said they were invited because they’re National Honors Society members.