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This story was originally posted by Chuck Sweeny on February 22, 2016 in the Rockford Register Star newspaper. The Irish Marching Society needs your help covering costs of having the parade in Rockford because the city charges $2,200 to march in the Forest City. I’m not sure how long the Irish Marching Society has sponsored the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Rockford, but it’s been a long time. Because the parade typically takes place just days before the Illinois primary in even-numbered years, and two weeks away from municipal elections in odd-numbered years, it often features political candidates battling for one office or another. That’sRead More →

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The Irish Marching Society (IMS) was founded in 1977 by a group of individuals who wanted to come together to celebrate the Irish Heritage in the city of Rockford, Illinois. The organization plans and stages, with the help and support of the city of Rockford, the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. They also hold an annual St. Patrick’s Day Party now called PaddyFest. IMS History The first party was originally planned for a small Rockford Faust Hotel meeting room, but as word spread of the celebration, the party was moved to the Grand Ballroom. By 1984, the party had outgrown the Faust Hotel, and itRead More →