Forest Park Celebrates 30th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade

Hundreds turn out for annual tradition of candy, music, and community spirit

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The 30th annual St. Patrick's Day parade in Forest Park, Illinois was a festive affair, with about 70 participants marching down Madison Street and supplying candy and cheer to the hundreds of locals who turned out to celebrate. The Forest Park Review was among the participants, handing out Nerds Gummy Clusters, stickers, and newsletters to the enthusiastic crowd.

Why it matters

The St. Patrick's Day parade has become an important annual tradition in Forest Park, bringing the community together through music, costumes, and the distribution of treats. It's an opportunity for local organizations, businesses, and officials to connect with residents and showcase their pride in the town.

The details

The parade featured a lineup of about 70 participants, including the Proviso East High School Marching Pirates band, floats from the Illinois House Speaker and the Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council, and costumed leprechauns handing out beads. Forest Park's fire department and public works employees also marched, distributing candy to the crowd. Mayor Rory Hoskins and his wife Monique led the parade.

  • The 30th annual St. Patrick's Day parade took place on March 7, 2026.
  • The parade started at Madison and Van Buren Streets and proceeded east to Elgin.

The players

Forest Park Review

A local newspaper that participated in the parade, handing out candy, stickers, and newsletters to the crowd.

Proviso East High School Marching Pirates

The high school marching band that performed in the parade.

Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch

The Illinois state representative who had a float in the parade.

Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council

The labor union that had a float in the parade.

Mayor Rory Hoskins

The mayor of Forest Park who led the parade with his wife Monique.

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What they’re saying

“To be clear, that doesn't mean it's not fun, just a rush of adrenaline and stimuli, of constant people yelling and waving at you for candy.”

— Jessica Mordacq, Writer, Forest Park Review (forestparkreview.com)

“Happy early St. Patrick's Day, Forest Park!”

— Jessica Mordacq, Writer, Forest Park Review (forestparkreview.com)

The takeaway

The St. Patrick's Day parade has become an integral part of the Forest Park community, bringing residents together each year to celebrate their town's spirit and pride. The event's longevity and continued popularity demonstrate the importance of preserving local traditions that foster a sense of community identity and belonging.