On the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day, some of us went to see a great Chicago tradition – dyeing the Chicago River GREEN!
Chicago, with its strong Irish culture and influence, holds one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the nation. Needless to say, the city is not short of Irish festivities! As a way to commemorate the holiday, every year since 1962 a portion of the Chicago River between the Michigan Avenue and Columbus Avenue bridges has been dyed emerald green.
As we stood on the bridge, we looked out to over a thousand spectators. The majority were decked out in green and all were anxiously awaiting the river transformation to officially kick off St. Patty’s Day. Shortly before 11 A.M., the boat emerged and poured an unknown orange powder-like substance (it’s a secret, they say) into the river. Within only a couple of minutes, the river was a very vibrant emerald green!
Following the event there was a St. Patrick’s Day parade on Columbus Drive. It was the second Irish parade for Chicago. The first, the south side Irish parade, took place a week earlier.
So it really is true – around St. Patrick’s Day the whole city of Chicago becomes Irish. And who would have thought that more than three days later, the river would still be festive green!
Contrary to popular belief, the green river event is privately funded. For more information on its history, go to www.greenchicagoriver.com
……….Kristine Britt
