We are thrilled to bring you a signature events not only for West Suburban Irish, but also for our community!This year’s parade boasts 100 entries and 33 years of tradition. With 10,000+ spectators expected in person on Saturday, March 14, and many more tuning in via Naperville Community Television (NCTV-17), the parade is set to be a celebration to remember. The parade steps off from Naperville North High School (NNHS) at 10:00 AM.

Parade participants should make note of your specific parade position number, along with designated parking areas. On parade day, report to NNHS between 8:30 AM and 9:15 AM for staging.

Please join us in patronizing the following businesses (listed alphabetically) who have generously sponsored the parade and/or the West Suburban Irish.

OFFICIAL SPONSORS

• A-All Temp Heating and Cooling
• Budget Blinds of Naperville
• Eagan and Company CPAs
• Flood Brothers
• McBroom Financial Group
• Pet Butler
• Spring Green
• Woody Buick GMC of Naperville & Gurnee

2026 NAPERVILLE ST. PATRICK’S DAY AWARDS

• Kevin Dolan Founder’s Award: To the parade entry that best embodies the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day. This award is in honor of Kevin Dolan, the founder of the Naperville St. Patrick’s Day Parade back in 1996.
• Best New Entry
• Best Non-Profit Entry
• Best Business Entry

PARADE DAY QUESTIONS
Should you have any questions at the staging area, our volunteers, wearing green reflective vests, will be available to direct participants.

The following guidelines will help ensure the parade runs safely, maintains a steady pace, and provides a great experience for both participants and spectators. We appreciate your cooperation.

GROUP LEADER & DRIVER INSTRUCTIONS

Group Leaders are responsible for ensuring all drivers have a valid driver’s license. Drivers should remain very focused throughout the entire parade, as small children will be lining the streets on both sides of the roadway. Only vehicles listed on your registration will be permitted to enter the staging area. Any vehicle not listed on your registration will not be accommodated and will be turned away.

DROP-OFF, PICKUP & PARKING

Always allow extra time on parade morning, as there will obviously be a lot of traffic converging upon the staging area at once. Parking at Naperville North High School (NNHS) is more limited this year due to construction. Walking participants must be dropped off on the north side of NNHS. Temporary parking is available along with street parking in the vicinity of the staging area. After the parade, parking is available on Hillside Road near Naperville Central High School (NCHS) for marcher pick-up.

PACE & CONTINUITY OF PARADE

For the continuity and enjoyment of the parade, please keep your entry moving while maintaining a slow yet steady pace (neither too fast nor too slow) so that gaps between groups are minimized and the parade flows smoothly for both participants and spectators. Once the parade steps off, the gaps in between entries should not exceed 50 feet. If you notice your entry is more than 50 feet ahead of the entry behind you, stop or slow down to allow the subsequent entry to catch up.

ADDITIONAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

• Throwing candy is NOT permitted. Candy can be handed to spectators or placed in their bags.
• Climbing in and out of vehicles once the parade has started is prohibited.
• Comply with event management and law enforcement at all times.
• Stay hydrated. If you are experiencing health issues, notify a volunteer, event staff person, or EMT.
• Do NOT stop or disperse before the end of the parade which is near the NCHS parking lot.