Luckily for some Park Ridge area residents, nearly 60 homes are already signed up for one of the city’s most “green” events – and there is still time for more to register.
The “Leprechaun Hunt” in Park Ridge is set for March 12 and March 13, where up to nine Park District staff members will each travel to homes, representing the iconic St. Patrick’s Day leprechaun and leaving items in registrants’ front yards, according to Meghan O’Neill, youth and special events supervisor for the Park Ridge Park District.
O’Neill told Pioneer Press the registration deadline for the event has been extended to March 10.
“We want to get in as many people as possible. It’s so much fun,” O’Neill said.
The event is open to residents who live in Park Ridge and the portion of the village of Niles covered by the Park Ridge Park District.
“It’s a fun way to get some of our staff out in the community, and going to people’s houses and decorating them,” she said.
According to O’Neill, a sign stating a leprechaun was there is left at each registered home, and prizes children may find include candy, necklaces, shamrocks, kaleidoscopes, little gnomes, chocolates, Slinkies and leprechaun ducks. All in the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day.
She said part of what makes the event special is some of the families making leprechaun traps together.
“Some make ladders for leprechauns to climb up,” O’Neill said. “Some are an old-fashioned box with a stick in it and putting in candy. They run the gamut from super elaborate and ones that Wile E. Coyote would make. They’re amazing – all of them.”
While no winners are named for the hunt, she said Park District staffers try to take pictures of the participating homes, especially those with leprechaun traps – some of which are knocked over by the leprechaun.
O’Neill estimated at least 70 homes participated in the event last year, which is why it is offered over two days.
“It’s something fun for the children,” she said. “They get to see there’s someone who came. As someone of Irish descent, I enjoy these holiday events.”
Park Ridge Park District also offers other St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, including two first-time events on March 9 at Centennial Activity Center.
The inaugural “St. Patrick’s Day Treasure Hunt” for all ages is scheduled to be held outdoors, weather permitting.
“In the field out there, the leprechaun will hide all their treasures around. The kids all get a pot of gold to put their prizes in,” said O’Neill about items such as candy, necklaces and gnomes to find.
According to O’Neill, the inaugural “Family St. Patrick’s Day Event” will feature the Trinity Irish Dancers performing and teaching some dance, live music by Declan McShane, a soda bread competition, crafts, games and face painting.
Returning is the “St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon” for ages 55 and older on March 10 at Centennial Activity Center where Harrington’s caters a traditional meal, including corned beef, and Irish American singer and songwriter Terry Byrne performs.
Jessi Virtusio is a freelancer.
