The annual Thom McNamee Memorial St. Patrick’s Day Parade in East Dundee is set to take place on **March 7, 2026**, ten days before the actual holiday. The decision to hold the parade earlier this year aims to enhance entertainment options and increase attendance, according to parade organizer **Eileen McNamee**. She noted that scheduling conflicts with other towns have made it challenging to secure popular attractions such as bagpipe bands.
This year, the towns of **St. Charles** and **Naperville** will also host St. Patrick’s parades on **March 14**, coinciding with **Chicago**’s downtown celebration. The parade in East Dundee will start the festivities, which include the Dublindee Kilted 5K Race and Fun Walk at **8:00** a.m. on the same day.
Participants in the 5K event can register for **$50** throughout February, with the fee increasing to **$60** starting March 1. Young participants aged 6 to 17 can join for **$25**, while children aged 5 and under can participate for free. The traditional parade and a pet parade will follow the run/walk.
For more details, visit the parade’s official website at dundeestpats.org.
Registration Deadlines Loom for South Elgin Events
The **South Elgin Parks Department** is reminding residents that registration deadlines for two upcoming events are fast approaching. The first event, **Puzzle Palooza**, will take place on **February 22, 2026**, from **11:30** a.m. to **2:00** p.m. at **Bub’s Corner Pub**, located at **335 N. McLean Blvd**. Individuals must register by **February 13** to participate.
Open to anyone aged 18 and older, participants can compete individually or in teams. Each team will receive a **500-piece puzzle** to complete within **2.5 hours**. If no team finishes the puzzle in that time, the winner will be determined by the fewest number of pieces remaining. The registration fee is **$40** for residents and **$60** for non-residents for teams of four. Individuals can register for **$10** as residents or **$15** as non-residents.
The second event, **Mom/Son Bowling & Pizza**, is scheduled for **March 6, 2026**, from **19:00** to **21:00** at **St. Charles Bowl**, located at **2520 W. Main St., St. Charles**. The registration deadline for this event is **February 15**. The cost is **$53** for one mother-son couple among village residents, while non-residents pay **$61**. Each additional child costs **$23**.
More information and registration for both events can be found at southelgin.com.
Scholarships Available for Local Students
Three local organizations are offering scholarships for the **2026-27** academic year, providing financial support for students pursuing higher education.
**Kane County Sheriff Ron Hain** is awarding two scholarships worth **$500** each through the **Illinois Sheriffs’ Association**. Applicants must be permanent residents of Illinois and enrolled in a college, university, or trade school for the upcoming academic year. Applications must be submitted by **March 13, 2026**, and are available at Hain’s office or online at ilsheriff.org/youth-2.
Additionally, the **Northern Kane County Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Dollars for Scholars program** is offering multiple scholarships of **$1,000** or more to high school seniors or college students residing in the chamber’s service area. Applications are due by **March 31, 2026**, and interested individuals can apply at nkccwib.dollarsforscholars.org.
The **Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce**, along with its economic development program, the **Elgin Development Group**, is offering **$1,000** scholarships to ten graduating high school seniors from **Elgin** and **South Elgin**. These merit-based awards are open to students pursuing various forms of education, including certificate programs and degrees. Applications will be accepted until **April 10, 2026**, at elginchamber.com/scholarship-application.
These opportunities reflect a commitment to supporting local education and fostering future leaders in the community.
