Have to go to Chicago for some company stuff from Sunday, March 18 til Wed the 21st. Was just thinking about going up early to see the St Patrick's Day festivities in downtown. I'm somewhat familiar with Chicago (i.e. I've been a couple of times in last few years), but not familiar with the events surrounding this holiday.

Anybody who has ever been have any suggestions? I'll probably be staying at the O'Hare Marriott. Is it best to just take the train into town? If so, is there a stop near that hotel or should I take the hotel shuttle to the airport and get on there? Might be just myself, or may be able to bring the wife if $$ isn't too much. Other suggestions of where to go in downtown during the events? What about stuff in the evening back near the hotel or up in the Northbrook/Wheeling area (that's the area I'm more familiar with).