IN ST. CHARLES

It’s time to go green. Shamrock green.

Come dressed in your Irish best to start celebrating the magic of St. Patrick’s Day! St. Charles’ downtown activities are held on Saturday, March 11. Before the parade starts and the green beverages are served, the St. Charles Park District is planning for some morning fun to commence the festive day.

The second annual Shamrockin’ Along the Fox River all terrain 8K race course begins at 9 a.m. in Pottawatomie Park. Runners will spend a large portion of the 5-mile race on the bike path parallel to the Fox River, said Melissa Caine, Assistant Superintendent of Recreation. The race is in partnership with Dick Pond Athletics.

In its inaugural race last year Caine said she loved to see the runners’ enthusiasm for the event with plenty of runners wearing green, even green tutus and striped green socks. Following the race there will be refreshments, music and awards for top runners in this chip-timed event.

For those who prefer a stroll to running strides, the St. Charles Park District is bringing back for a third year its Pot of Gold Park Stroll in Mt. St. Mary Park. Caine said this event is perfect for young families as they walk a half-mile winding path and search for slightly hidden posters along the trail of holiday images, such as leprechauns and rainbows.

Participants will pick up a card at the start of the trail and cross off the items found along the way. At the end of