Becky Renn, of Crown Point, with Big Frank's Sausages, flips her sausages on the grill as she cooks for guests enjoying the annual St. Patrick's Day festival on Saturday, March 17, 2012, in Crown Point. | Scott R. Brandush~Sun-Times Media

Jillie Newhall helps Carson Newhall, age 3, both of Crown Point, with a taste of his flavored ice during the annual St. Patrick's Day festival on Saturday, March 17, 2012, in Crown Point. | Scott R. Brandush~Sun-Times Media

Vendors line the Old Courthouse on the square in Crown Point during the annual St. Patrick's Day festival on Saturday, March 17, 2012. | Scott R. Brandush~Sun-Times Media

Guests and vendors line the square in Crown Point during the annual St. Patrick's Day festival on Saturday, March 17, 2012. | Scott R. Brandush~Sun-Times Media

Bridget Santucci, of Hammond, dances on the courthouse lawn with her nephew Rian Nelson, age 9, of LaPorte as they selebrate St. Patrick's Day in Crown Point on Saturday, March 17, 2012. | Scott R. Brandush~Sun-Times Media

Bridget Santucci, of Hammond, dances on the courthouse lawn with her nephew Rian Nelson, age 9, of LaPorte as they selebrate St. Patrick's Day in Crown Point on Saturday, March 17, 2012. | Scott R. Brandush~Sun-Times Media

The Thornberry family, from left, Samantha, age 14, Carrie, Scott, and Haley, age 9, all of Crown Point, cheer along with the live music playing and celebrate the St. Patrick's Day festival on the square on Saturday, March 17, 2012. | Scott R. Brandush~Sun-Times Media

The Pipes and Drums of Lake County perform and march during the annual St. Patrick's Day parade on Saturday, March 17, 2012, in Crown Point. | Scott R. Brandush~Sun-Times Media

People pack the square in Crown Point during the annual St. Patrick's Day festival on Saturday, March 17, 2012. | Scott R. Brandush~Sun-Times Media

Thousands of people gather around the square for the annual St. Patrick's Day parade on Saturday, March 17, 2012, in Crown Point. | Scott R. Brandush~Sun-Times Media

Thousands of people gather around the square for the annual St. Patrick's Day parade on Saturday, March 17, 2012, in Crown Point. | Scott R. Brandush~Sun-Times Media

Crown Point Mayor Dave Uran tosses shirt to people lining the square in during the annual St. Patrick's Day parade on Saturday, March 17, 2012, in Crown Point. | Scott R. Brandush~Sun-Times Media

The Naval Sea Cadets march on the square during the annual St. Patrick's Day parade on Saturday, March 17, 2012, in Crown Point. | Scott R. Brandush~Sun-Times Media

The Pipes and Drums of Lake County perform during the annual St. Patrick's Day parade on Saturday, March 17, 2012, in Crown Point. | Scott R. Brandush~Sun-Times Media