McHenry Postpones ShamRocks Fest, Allows Open Carry Of Alcohol

MCHENRY, IL — The city of McHenry is following suit with many communities throughout the Chicago area and announced that its ShamRocks the Fox event will be canceled this weekend.

The two-day event celebrating St. Patrick's Day includes a parade, 5K run and the dyeing of the Fox River — all of which is called off, according to a statement from the city of McHenry.

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But, in a unique move meant to bolster business amid the cancellations, the city has decided to allow its residents to openly carry alcohol while in the city's downtown business district between Riverside Drive and Green Street. People will legally be able to drink on the streets between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday and between noon and 6 p.m. Sunday, according to the news release.

On Wednesday, the McHenry County Department of Health recommended that communities and organizations consider postponing any nonessential public events and meetings as a way to slow the spread of COVID-1. Meanwhile, city officials in McHenry will discuss holding the popular ShamRocks the Fox event later in the year.

For those planning to celebrate in a public place this St. Patrick's Day weekend, city officials are urging that they follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's guidelines:

• Older adults and people with serious chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and lung disease should avoid public gatherings, where their risk of exposure is higher.
• If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms or are otherwise sick, stay home and away from public gatherings
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Use "social distancing" techniques when out in public. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Cover coughs and sneezes. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or use the inside of your elbow.