2000 Saint Patrick's Day Queen

Elyse M. Lyons New Parade Queen

The Queen of the 2000 St. Patrick's Day Parade is 20 year old Elyse M. Lyons of Oak Park, IL. She is a student at Eastern Illinois University majoring in elementary education. Elyse is from a large Irish American family and has five younger brothers. She has worked summers at the Oak Lawn Public Library.

Elyse was chosen from more than 130 entrants who participated in the queen contest at the Stephen M. Bailey Auditorium of the Plumbers Union Hall, 1340 West Washington Blvd., Chicago.

Queen and her Court

Runners up in the contest who will serve as the Queen's Court are pictured above. From left to right they include: 19 year old Megan Eileen Connolly of Western Springs, 25 year old Eileen Theresa Malloy from the South side of Chicago, Queen Elyse Lyons, 23 year old Jennifer Farrell of the North side of Chicago and 24 year old Megan Murphy of LaGrange.

The queen and her court will appear in the 2000 St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday, March 11, 2000 in Chicago's loop. The queen will ride in an authentic irish side car.

The judges of the queen contest include prominent Chicagoans of Irish heritage. The judges look for the qualities of grace, sincerity, beauty, sense of humor, poise, personality and wit in making their choices.

Traditionally the St. Patrick's Day Parade Queen and her court participate in Irish events around Chicago and receive many valuable prizes including a trip to Ireland and Waterford crystal.

Photos of the Queen and her court can be obtained by calling the Plumbing Council office at 312-263-6612.