The City of Crown Point’s lighted, nighttime St. Patrick’s Day Parade will begin at dusk Sunday, March 17, in the downtown square. Food and retail vendors will be set up on Joliet Street between Court and Main streets from 3-9 p.m.
“The St. Patrick’s Day Parade kicks off our event season, drawing residents and visitors to the heart of our beloved downtown,” Crown Point Mayor Pete Land said. “We have the best St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the Region, and I can’t wait to see what our parade participants come up with this year.”
Hosted since 2008, the annual celebration typically draws thousands to the downtown square.
This year, parade participants are being asked to adorn their parade entries with at least 500 lights. Parade applications are now open and close Friday, March 8.
The community can vote for their favorite St. Patrick’s Day Parade float by visiting www.crownpoint.in.gov beginning March 17. Winners will be announced during the April City Council meeting.
Festivities include Shamrock Lane, a seating and vendor area on the lawn of the historic Lake County Courthouse, providing a space for people to enjoy local cuisine before the parade. Instead of hosting the traditional drive-thru Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner, the City will share St. Patrick’s Day specials from local restaurants.
Ahead of the parade, the City is accepting entries to its annual logo decorating and downtown window decorating contests.
Participants 17 and under are invited to design a new City of Crown Point logo with elements of St. Patrick’s Day, such as leprechauns, shamrocks and the color green. Entries must be hand-drawn and submitted by Tuesday, Feb. 20. Entries can be submitted in person at the Crown Point Community Library, 122 N. Main St.; at the PACE Department Office on the second floor of Bulldog Park; or mailed to Bulldog Park, 183 S. West St., Crown Point, IN 46307. Winners will be announced during the March City Council meeting.
Crown Point businesses can sign up for the Window Decorating Contest through Friday, Feb. 23, by emailing events@crownpoint.in.gov. Beginning Monday, Feb. 26, through Friday, March 8, residents and visitors will be invited to vote on their favorite business window display by visiting www.crownpoint.in.gov. Winners will be announced during the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
For more information, visit http://bit.ly/3DqxyAQ.