LOVES PARK, Ill. (WIFR) – The festivities kicked off at 4 p.m. at Loves Park City Hall for the 49th PaddyFest.

The event, presented by the Irish Marching Society, features real Irish music and corned beef and cabbage catered by Pinnon’s.

There will also be live performances from The Tooles, Emerald Wind and the City of Rockford Pipe Band.

“Heritage kind of gets watered down a little bit, so we try and hold onto our roots,” said Tyler Pickering, president of Irish Marching Society. “Today, I think everybody’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, so it’s fun to kind of take part in the culture and in the traditions.”

Around 300 people are expected to attend the event. Admission is $10, kids 12 and under are free.

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