This marks the third time the Shamrock Club has joined the podcast, continuing a partnership that has helped spread the word and grow excitement around Dixon’s annual St. Patrick’s Day festivities. Planning has been underway for nearly a year, and the big day is quickly approaching.
This year’s celebration takes place on Saturday, March 14, beginning with the St. Patrick’s Day parade. Lineup will start at 2:15 p.m. at the Dixon High School cafeteria parking lot, followed by the national anthem shortly before 3 p.m. The parade theme for 2026 is peace, love, and Irish, emphasizing a non-political, family-friendly event that celebrates Irish heritage while welcoming the entire community.
The grand marshals for this year’s parade are Glenn and Deb Hughes of Dixon. Glenn, the city’s mayor, is known for his hands-on approach and daily presence around town, while Deb is deeply involved in community efforts, including her work with Dixon in Bloom, which has helped make the city’s floral displays a point of pride for residents and visitors alike. Their shared Irish roots make them a fitting choice to lead the celebration.
The parade will be led by local bagpiper Mike Wilcox and will cross the Peoria Avenue Bridge, where the Dixon Fire Department will once again turn the Rock River green. From there, marchers will continue through downtown Dixon before arriving at the Knights of Columbus, where the main celebration will begin around 3:30 p.m.
Admission to the celebration is free. Food will be available, including traditional corned beef and cabbage, along with kid-friendly options. A children’s activity area for ages 12 and under will run from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., featuring face painting, crafts, and other hands-on fun so the youngest attendees can enjoy the day as much as the adults.
Music is once again a highlight of the event. Award-winning Irish band Riley from Milwaukee will perform during the afternoon celebration, bringing with them experience from major festivals like Milwaukee Irish Fest. Their appearance is made possible with support from the Historic Dixon Theatre, where Riley will also perform a full concert later that evening at 7:30 p.m., coinciding with the release of their newest album.
A 50/50 raffle will be held throughout the afternoon, with the drawing scheduled for 6 p.m. Proceeds help support the day’s events and ensure the celebration continues for years to come.
The Rock River Valley Shamrock Club emphasizes that the St. Patrick’s Day celebration is truly for everyone. Families, longtime residents, visitors, and participants of all ages are welcome to attend or even march in the parade. Within the club itself, five generations of one family take part, highlighting how the event brings people together across ages and backgrounds.
Those interested in marching, riding in the parade, or learning more are encouraged to follow the Rock River Valley Shamrock Club on Facebook, where contact information and additional details are shared. Organizers stress that the event will go on rain or shine, staying true to tradition and community spirit.
As Dan Burke summed it up, St. Patrick’s Day in Dixon is about coming together, wearing green, watching the river turn emerald, and sharing peace, love, and Irish pride with the entire Sauk Valley.
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