January, 2008
Parade Information
Happy New Year Everyone! The Irish American Society of County
Will is proud to sponsor and host the Annual Manhattan Irish Festival. This year
the fest will be held on February 29 and March 1st. The parade will be held on Saturday the
1st, starting at 11am. The Irish Fest
Committee members and I would like to invite you to participate in this
time-honored tradition. The “Gathering of the Clans” is a parade that kicks off
the festivities for this fun filled day, and we would love to have your
organization, club, or family become a part of it. This year, the Committee is
asking for a $25 donation from all entries with all proceeds benefiting the
Manhattan Irish Fest / IASCW.
Once your application is in, you will receive more parade information as we
approach the date. So gather up your group, don your green, and join in the
festivities! Can’t wait to see you on the 3rd!
For your records, the Irish American Society of County Will (EIN
36-3940716) is a non-profit organization as described by the I.R.S. Code,
section 501(3)(c). As such, donors may deduct gift contributions as provided in
section 170 of the codes.
Please keep in mind - even with our Irish heritage we must
respect the law - open alcoholic beverages are not allowed in the parade.
Thank you!
{back to top}
Line up
The Line up begins
at 10:00 on Thelma St. and spills over to Lee, then Kay
and Jan St, depending on the number of participants. Entries on Thelma will start the parade first.
Each entry will be given a number they can place in the dashboard, or where
visible, and line up according to that. There will be parade marshalls from
the Manhattan Morrigans at each block
with a master list to help people get to their pre-assigned spot.
Participants are asked
to line-up from 10-10:30. Remember, insurance regulations require
that nothing be thrown from the float.
{back to top}
Parade Route
The parade begins at 11:00, starting the floats, bands and
walkers assembled on Thelma Street. The parade moves West on North St,
crossing the Metra tracks, and then turning left onto State St.
The parade then moves South on State St to the reviewing stand
in front of the First Bank of Manhattan. It continues to proceed South to
Second St, turning left at the Anna McDonald School, where the parade will end.
{back to top}
Downloads
{back to top}
This year's selection for Grand
Marshalls are Ken, Dave and Rick Gallagher. These three brothers,
lifetime Manhattan residents have been active on the village and township
boards for many years. Congratulations!
{back to top}
